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

The show, with a book by David Hornsby and Chris Hoch, is set in the year the movie was made—hence the big hair and big shoulders—and follows its plot closely, with minor innovations.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

At the sequel’s premiere in London last week, Streep told reporters the new movie digs deeply into what’s happening today.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

There are plenty of reasons to be nostalgic about the 80s, from big hair to the movie Wall Street —and stocks’ performance.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

The original cut of the movie did reportedly include a third act that discussed allegations from 1993, which Jackson denied.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2026

I was planning to pay for my friends at the movie theatre tonight because Madi never has any cash.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller

Related Words

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