motion picture

American  

[moh-shuhn pik-cher] / ˈmoʊ ʃən ˈpɪk tʃər /

noun

1. Movies.

   1. a sequence of consecutive still images photographed in a series by a specially designed camera motion-picture camera and thrown on a screen by a projector motion-picture projector in such rapid succession as to give the illusion of natural movement.

      Jean Cocteau produced some of the most innovative motion pictures of the postwar era.

   2. such a video sequence recorded and played in other media formats, as VHS or digital video.

      Critics have given mixed reviews to the new trend of feature-length motion pictures shot on smartphones.

2. a story, event, or the like, presented in this form.

   The motion picture is adapted from the novel of the same name.

3. motion pictures, the art, technique, or business of producing motion pictures.

   The Academy honors achievement in motion pictures every year at the Oscars.

---

motion picture British  

noun

1. Also called: film. 

   1. a sequence of images of moving objects photographed by a camera and providing the optical illusion of continuous movement when projected onto a screen

   2. a form of entertainment, information, etc, composed of such a sequence of images and shown in a cinema, etc

---

Other Word Forms

• motion-picture adjective

Etymology

Origin of motion picture

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

I had seen a motion picture one time at school about a parade in Washington.

From Literature

With motion picture ensemble and lead male actor prizes Sunday, ‘Sinners’ keeps its best picture hopes alive.

From Los Angeles Times

“Marty Supreme” has three nominations overall, including Odessa A’zion for female actor in a supporting role and performance by a cast in a motion picture.

From Los Angeles Times

Outstanding televised or streamed motion picture: “John Candy: I Like Me”

From Los Angeles Times

The film scored trophies for outstanding motion picture and most of the acting awards, including breakthrough performance, awarded to Miles Caton.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cinema
• feature film
• flick
• talkie