script

¹ American  

[skript] / skrɪpt /

noun

1. the letters or characters used in writing by hand; handwriting, especially cursive writing.

2. a manuscript or document.

3. the text of a manuscript or document.

4. the manuscript or one of various copies of the written text of a play, motion picture, or radio or television broadcast.

5. any system of writing.

6. Printing. a type imitating handwriting.

7. Digital Technology. an executable section of code that automates a task.

   You will have to run the script to install the program on your computer.

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verb (used with object)

1. to write a script for.

   The movie was scripted by a famous author.

2. to plan or devise; make arrangements for.

   The week-long festivities were scripted by a team of experts.

3. Digital Technology. to write an executable section of code for (a program) in order to automate a task.

   You can script a program that will scan your files.

verb (used without object)

1. Digital Technology. to write an executable section of code that automates a task.

   Most programmers script in more than one programming language.

Script. ² American  

abbreviation

1. Scriptural.

2. Scripture.

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script British  

/ skrɪpt /

noun

1. handwriting as distinguished from print, esp cursive writing

2. the letters, characters, or figures used in writing by hand

3. any system or style of writing

4. written copy for the use of performers in films and plays

5. law

   1. an original or principal document

   2. (esp in England) a will or codicil or the draft for one

6. any of various typefaces that imitate handwriting

7. computing a series of instructions that is executed by a computer program

8. an answer paper in an examination

9. another word for scrip 3

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verb

1. (tr) to write a script for

Other Word Forms

• scripter noun
• underscript noun

Etymology

Origin of script

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English (noun), from Latin scriptum, noun use of neuter past participle of scrībere “to write”; replacing Middle English scrit, from Old French escrit, from Latin, as above; (verb) first recorded in 1930–35; from the noun.

Explanation

A script is a written version of a play or movie. If you're auditioning for a movie, you'll get the script to practice a scene or two. Script comes from the Latin scrībĕre, meaning "to write," and all its meanings have to do with something written. Your handwriting is your script. The written version of what you're supposed to say, whether for a wedding toast or a play, is a script. And if you were feeling old-fashioned you could call the grocery list you just wrote a script. It's also a verb. You can script a play.

Example Sentences

“Thankfully, I had been observing and watching everything. But I was reading the script off-stage and then someone would push me onstage and say, ‘I’ll meet you stage left, wing one.’

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Gone is the film that stood out from a crowd of summer blockbusters with its smart script and chic sensibilities.

From Salon • Apr. 20, 2026

I mean, no one is writing a script for you.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

"His script was on point in being convincing."

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

“I still want to save up for my camera. Oh! Speaking of, I finished my script and sent it to Ms. Francis. She’s going to email me her comments sometime this summer.”

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

Related Words

• article
• book
• copy
• dialogue
• libretto
• manuscript
• scenario
• text