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 stranger produced an inept screenplay, which was accepted as proof that only a fool would try to make a film from my novel. David Rabe, The New Yorker, 2 Feb. 2025 The pic marks Hancock’s debut feature screenplay, as well as his first turn at directing. Pamela McClintock, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Feb. 2025 Robin Schiff, who wrote the original film, is back to write the screenplay for the new movie, which will be directed by Tim Federle (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series). Jen Juneau, People.com, 30 Jan. 2025 Shyamalan and the Notebook author are co-creating the story, then will independently write a screenplay and a novel (respectively) with the same premise and characters, as first reported by Deadline Hollywood. Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 29 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near screenplay

Cite this Entry

“Screenplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/screenplay. Accessed 9 Feb. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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