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screenplay
noun
screen·play
ˈskrēn-ˌplā
: 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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1920, in the meaning defined above
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
: the written form of a story prepared for film production
More from Merriam-Webster on screenplay
Nglish: Translation of screenplay for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of screenplay for Arabic Speakers
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