motion picture
noun
1
: a series of still pictures displayed on a screen in rapid succession so as to produce the optical effect of continuous video
2
a
: a representation (as of a story) by means of motion pictures
especially
: movie sense 1
starring in a major motion picture
—often used before another noun a motion picture screen
b
: the business or industry of making movies
—usually used in plural
a bigwig in motion pictures
Examples of motion picture in a Sentence
He was given a starring role in a major motion picture.
a popular novel that was made into a major motion picture
Recent Examples on the Web
In addition to best motion picture and TV series, acting awards in film and TV and director and screenplay honors in film, the Globes recognize best stand-up comedy performance on TV and, in film, cinematic and box office achievement.
—
Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2026
Yes, a consolidation of the motion picture studios from five down to four would mean fewer jobs, less choices for moviegoers, higher tickets prices, increased leveraged rental terms on cinemas by studios, potential multiplex closings and depleting ticket sales.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2026
While the Oscars have been located on Hollywood Boulevard since settling into the then-Kodak Theatre, which later changed its name to the Dolby Theatre, over almost a century of celebrating the best in motion pictures the ceremony has bounced between Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles.
—Peter Larsen, Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
The Bureau bugged every inch of the place: the desk hid recording devices, and a two-way mirror disguised a small room where an agent armed with a spring-wound motion picture camera documented every visitor.
—Literary Hub, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motion picture
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Mckinley Franklin, HollywoodReporter, 4 Apr. 2026
Yes, a consolidation of the motion picture studios from five down to four would mean fewer jobs, less choices for moviegoers, higher tickets prices, increased leveraged rental terms on cinemas by studios, potential multiplex closings and depleting ticket sales.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2026
While the Oscars have been located on Hollywood Boulevard since settling into the then-Kodak Theatre, which later changed its name to the Dolby Theatre, over almost a century of celebrating the best in motion pictures the ceremony has bounced between Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles.
—Peter Larsen, Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026
The Bureau bugged every inch of the place: the desk hid recording devices, and a two-way mirror disguised a small room where an agent armed with a spring-wound motion picture camera documented every visitor.
—Literary Hub, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for motion picture
Cite this Entry
“Motion picture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motion%20picture. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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