screenplay

noun

screen·​play ˈskrēn-ˌplā How to pronounce screenplay (audio)
: the script and often shooting directions of a story prepared for movie production

Examples of screenplay in a Sentence

an award for best screenplay each actor will be given a copy of the screenplay to study
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The film racked up Oscar nominations for best picture, actor (Williams), and director (Peter Weir) and won for Tom Schulman’s original screenplay. Emma Specter, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2025 The director also won Oscars for best picture and best original screenplay for Birdman. Hilary Lewis, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025 Directed by Michael Gracey, the movie was based on a story conceived by Jenny Bicks, who wrote the screenplay alongside Bill Condon. Dave Quinn, People.com, 5 Mar. 2025 In addition, a cover of Armstrong’s screenplay was dropped with the title smudged out by snow. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for screenplay

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of screenplay was in 1920

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Cite this Entry

“Screenplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/screenplay. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

screenplay

noun
screen·​play ˈskrēn-ˌplā How to pronounce screenplay (audio)
: the written form of a story prepared for film production

More from Merriam-Webster on screenplay

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