screenplay

noun

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

Synonyms of screenplay

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.
Along with writer Kay Cannon, White also penned the screenplay for Pitch Perfect 3 (2017). Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Dec. 2025 In 2025, Joe and his mom worked together on the movie Goodbye June — which marked her directorial debut and his first screenplay adapted into a major film. Emma Kershaw, PEOPLE, 29 Dec. 2025 Having finally read Gustav’s latest screenplay, and found within it surprising echoes of the darkest periods of her own life, an emotional Nora sits on her bedroom floor beside her sister. Susie Goldsbrough, The Atlantic, 28 Dec. 2025 Safdie, who also edited the film and wrote the screenplay alongside Ronald Bronstein, was inspired while watching a video of a 1948 British Open table tennis event. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 Dec. 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 31 Dec. 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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