movie

American  

[moo-vee] / ˈmu vi /

noun

1. a sequence of consecutive still images recorded in a series to be viewed on a screen in such rapid succession as to give the illusion of natural movement; motion picture.

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

3. movies,

   1. Usually the movies the movie industry.

      The movies use MPA ratings to inform patrons about content that may not be suitable for certain audiences.

   2. all movies as a group, or a specific category of movies, considered as a genre.

      gangster movies.

   3. the exhibition of movies.

      an evening at the movies.

   4. Often the movies a movie theater.

      Is there anything good playing at the movies on Main Street?

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movie British  

/ ˈmuːvɪ /

noun

1. 1. an informal word for film

   2. ( as modifier )

      movie ticket

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Etymology

Origin of movie

First recorded in 1905–10; mov(ing picture) + -ie

Explanation

A movie is a film that you watch at a theater or at home on your TV, laptop, or tablet. Movie is short for "moving picture," which was pretty exciting in the late 1800s. You can rave about your favorite movie — whether it's "Citizen Kane" or "The Lion King" — and you can also talk about "the movies," or films in general and the industry that makes them. You might dream of working in the movies, for example. Before about 1912, movies were called "motion pictures." Movie is a shortened form of the phrase, which some people abbreviate into the more old-fashioned sounding "pictures."

Example Sentences

“I pushed so hard, I wanted that movie to be so excellent,” Gyllenhaal said in his 2020 interview with Another Man.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Fans of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh are reacting with shock after a major film workers' union asked its members not to work with him over his alleged abrupt exit from the upcoming movie Don 3.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

In his free time, Rudisill can often be found at the local movie theater.

From Los Angeles Times • May 26, 2026

According to trade magazine Le Film Francais, the movie project is in development, though neither the title nor the cast has been announced.

From Barron's • May 26, 2026

“First it’s the tourists, now it’s the movie theater. You sound like your brother,” Owen said.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz

Related Words

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