screenplay

noun

screen·​play ˈskrēn-ˌplā How to pronounce screenplay (audio)
Synonyms of screenplaynext
: the script and often shooting directions of a story prepared for movie production

Synonyms of screenplay

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
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Linklater’s ode to the French new wave was nominated in 10 categories, including for best director, film, original screenplay and cinematography. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2026 Shlesinger, a stand-up comedian best known for her comedy specials on Netflix, wrote the screenplay for the film, which follows a woman's unexpected return to her Texas hometown after decades away. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Jan. 2026 The show recently won five Golden Venla awards in its native Finland, including best drama series and best screenplay and director for Lymi. Marta Balaga, Variety, 27 Jan. 2026 In the Blink of Eye was, almost a decade ago, a Black List screenplay by Colby Day. Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for screenplay

Word History

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of screenplay was in 1920

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Screenplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/screenplay. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

screenplay

noun
screen·​play ˈskrēn-ˌplā How to pronounce screenplay (audio)
: the written form of a story prepared for film production

More from Merriam-Webster on screenplay

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