screenplay

American  

[skreen-pley] / ˈskrinˌpleɪ /

noun

1. a motion-picture or television scenario.

2. Older Use. a motion picture.

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screenplay British  

/ ˈskriːnˌpleɪ /

noun

1. the script for a film, including instructions for sets and camera work

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Etymology

Origin of screenplay

First recorded in 1915–20; screen + play

Example Sentences

The extraordinary Gallo, who also wrote the screenplay, brings a blend of fierceness and fragility to a role that explores expectations of masculinity in Latino families.

From Los Angeles Times

Villarreal: I know Guillermo has said that he has long seen you as the person to play this role of Victor, even before there was a screenplay.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, says Mr. Cameron, in a screenplay he assembled with Rick Jaffa and Amanda Silver, let’s do all of this for a third time, only with more flames.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Appalling things,” Ephron wrote in an introduction to the published screenplay.

From The Wall Street Journal

The result is an act so unthinkable that, if it hadn’t happened in real life, Marilyn Fu’s otherwise sensitively constructed screenplay might seem beyond repair.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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