motion picture

noun

1
: a series of pictures projected on a screen in rapid succession with objects shown in successive positions slightly changed so as to produce the optical effect of a continuous picture in which the objects move
2
: a representation (as of a story) by means of motion pictures : movie

Examples of motion picture in a Sentence

He was given a starring role in a major motion picture. a popular novel that was made into a major motion picture
Recent Examples on the Web The plot lines were compelling, incorporating the discovery of Mexican actress Delores del Rio, the B-movie assembly line of the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s, and three siblings from the Chickasaw Nation who somehow thrived in the early years of the motion picture business. Erik Himmelsbach-Weinstein, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024 Tom Rothman remains in his role as chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s motion picture group, reporting to Vinciquerra. Jennifer Maas, Variety, 6 Mar. 2024 The venue, which opened in 1915 during the first wave of motion pictures, still hosts film presentations as well as live music and theater. Amber Turpin, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2024 After first appearing in television episodes, the pair both went on to star in TV films and then major motion pictures. Alex Gurley, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 King became the first Black winner of the PGA’s Milestone Award, whose previous winners include Walt Disney, Clint Eastwood and George Lucas, for historic career contributions to the motion picture industry. Andrew Dalton, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2024 After a pause during the coronavirus pandemic beginning in 2020 and disruptions caused by the writers’ and actors’ strikes last year, motion picture production has returned to New York City. Dodai Stewart, New York Times, 15 Feb. 2024 The Marvel Cinematic Universe broke all kinds of box office records through a slew of major motion pictures that introduced superhero characters in their own individual movies before bringing them all together on the big screen for epic adventures against a common foe — or, sometimes, one another. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 23 Feb. 2024 This year, Blunt is nominated for outstanding performance by a female actor in a supporting role plus outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture for Oppenheimer. Benjamin Vanhoose, Peoplemag, 22 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'motion picture.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of motion picture was in 1891

Dictionary Entries Near motion picture

Cite this Entry

“Motion picture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motion%20picture. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

motion picture

noun
1
: a series of pictures projected on a screen rapidly one after another so as to give the appearance of a continuous picture in which the objects move
2

More from Merriam-Webster on motion picture

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