screenplay
noun
screen·play
ˈskrēn-ˌplā 
: the script and often shooting directions of a story prepared for motion-picture production
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
It is based on the novel by Rebecca Callard, who also wrote the screenplay.
—
Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024
Mindy Kaling is on board to write the screenplay with Parks and Rec’s Dan Goor, and with virtually all of the 2001 film’s supporting characters (including the Delta Nus) expressing interest in returning.
—Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024
The screenplay, by Patel, Paul Angunawela and John Collee, is a bit formulaic and even hackneyed at times.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024
The screenplay spreads the potential guilt around a small group of suspects, including Edith’s friends and fellow whist players, a pleasurably comic trio of ladies bold (Lolly Adefope), bony (Eileen Atkins) and bossy (Joanna Scanlan).
—Ty Burr, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024
The Tow screenplay is written by Jonathan Keasey, Brant Boivin and Annie Weisman.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Apr. 2024
Based on the beloved, Newbery award-winning YA novel by Louis Sachar, the 2003 movie Holes (with a screenplay by Sachar) sticks faithfully to the book, bringing the dusty, quirky adventure to the big screen in a manner worthy of our underdog hero, Stanley Yelnats (Shia LaBeouf).
—Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2024
Directed by Osada Eri from a screenplay by Nagatsuki Tappei, the series will release in Japan in July, with entry into international markets to follow at an unconfirmed date closer to the year end.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024
Meanwhile, the screenplay comes courtesy of Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, the creators of Wednesday.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2024
Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024
Mindy Kaling is on board to write the screenplay with Parks and Rec’s Dan Goor, and with virtually all of the 2001 film’s supporting characters (including the Delta Nus) expressing interest in returning.
—Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024
The screenplay, by Patel, Paul Angunawela and John Collee, is a bit formulaic and even hackneyed at times.
—Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 4 Apr. 2024
The screenplay spreads the potential guilt around a small group of suspects, including Edith’s friends and fellow whist players, a pleasurably comic trio of ladies bold (Lolly Adefope), bony (Eileen Atkins) and bossy (Joanna Scanlan).
—Ty Burr, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024
The Tow screenplay is written by Jonathan Keasey, Brant Boivin and Annie Weisman.
—Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Apr. 2024
Based on the beloved, Newbery award-winning YA novel by Louis Sachar, the 2003 movie Holes (with a screenplay by Sachar) sticks faithfully to the book, bringing the dusty, quirky adventure to the big screen in a manner worthy of our underdog hero, Stanley Yelnats (Shia LaBeouf).
—Debby Wolfinsohn, EW.com, 28 Mar. 2024
Directed by Osada Eri from a screenplay by Nagatsuki Tappei, the series will release in Japan in July, with entry into international markets to follow at an unconfirmed date closer to the year end.
—Patrick Frater, Variety, 22 Mar. 2024
Meanwhile, the screenplay comes courtesy of Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, the creators of Wednesday.
—Radhika Seth, Vogue, 22 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'screenplay.' 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
1920, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near screenplay
Cite this Entry
“Screenplay.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/screenplay. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
screenplay
noun
screen·play
ˈskrēn-ˌplā
: the written form of a story prepared for film production
More from Merriam-Webster on screenplay
Nglish: Translation of screenplay for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of screenplay for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share