screenplay

[ skreen-pley ]

noun

1. a motion-picture or television scenario.
2. Older Use. a motion picture.

screenplay

/ ˈskriːnˌpleɪ /

noun

1. the script for a film, including instructions for sets and camera work

Word History and Origins

Origin of screenplay¹

First recorded in 1915–20; screen + play

Example Sentences

Just last year, “Anatomy of a Fall” earned nominations for best picture and original screenplay after being overlooked by France.

From Los Angeles Times

Still, he read the screenplay with “extreme skepticism. I couldn’t imagine my aesthetic voice could be so applicable to this genre and tone and scale, even though I was a huge fan.”

From Los Angeles Times

Besides directing, producing and designing most of the main characters, he co-wrote the screenplay and is the cinematographer, editor and composer, among other roles.

From Los Angeles Times

Just last year, “Anatomy of a Fall” earned nominations for picture and original screenplay after being passed over by France.

From Los Angeles Times

Stepping from the book and going into the screenplay, when you first got a chance to read it — what did you think of her?

From Salon

Related Words

• cinema
• feature
• film
• flick
• motion picture
• picture
• show
• videotape