screenplay

American  

[skreen-pley] / ˈskrinˌpleɪ /

noun

1. a motion-picture or television scenario.

2. Older Use. a motion picture.

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screenplay British  

/ ˈskriːnˌpleɪ /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of screenplay

First recorded in 1915–20; screen + play

Example Sentences

Born the youngest of six children on March 20, 1984, in Dallas, Duong wound up leaving school to pursue a feature development deal for his screenplay “Enchanted Melody,” but that fell through because of financing.

From Los Angeles Times

This complex relationship to the West in general and Texas—McMurtry’s home state—in particular courses through the McMurtry oeuvre of novels, screenplays, nonfiction and criticism.

From The Wall Street Journal

The duo won Oscars for best picture, director and original screenplay.

From Los Angeles Times

From the moment Alloway and Lily Houghton, who wrote the play “Forbidden Fruits” is based on and cowrote the film’s screenplay, brought the material to Cody and her producing partner Mason Novick, she became obsessed.

From Los Angeles Times

“You could come here to write a screenplay or read a book. Everyone who has been interested in the home is in the creative space—either a writer, artist, director, or musician.”

From MarketWatch

Related Words

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