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
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Victor Miller, who penned the screenplay for the first film and various sequels, remains on board as executive producer, joined by fellow EPs Marc Toberoff and Rob Barsamian. EW.com, 18 July 2025 Another went to Tom Mankiewicz, a relative of Herman J. Mankiewicz, who co-wrote Citizen Kane’s screenplay with Welles. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025 Tony Kamen wrote the screenplay and the movie also stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Jessica Hecht and Erin Kellyman. Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 17 July 2025 Wes Craven’s era-defining Scream was a tough act to follow, thanks in large part to a sharp screenplay from Kevin Williamson, who understood how to mine humor from genre self-awareness without sacrificing scares. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 July 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 29 Jul. 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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