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 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

Ephron received three Oscar nominations for her screenplays, the first for “Silkwood,” followed by recognition for “When Harry Met Sally” and “Sleepless in Seattle.”

From Los Angeles Times

The film would be nominated for three Academy Awards: Jonze for director, Kaufman for original screenplay and Keener for supporting actress.

From Los Angeles Times

While the screenplay’s themes can be extrapolated to broader sociopolitical questions, it fails to impart any new insights beyond the basic notion that cardinals, they’re just like us.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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