screenwriter
Americannoun
-
screenwriters
plural
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of screenwriter
Explanation
Someone who writes movie scripts or screenplays is called a screenwriter. A novelist whose book is being made into a film might be hired to be the screenwriter. Every movie has a script, with lines for the actors to speak and directions for certain camera shots and scene changes. The person who writes the screenplay is the screenwriter. Some big-budget Hollywood films might have several screenwriters who collaborate. The word's been used since the 1920s, from the sense of screen that means "cinema world," or "surface on which a movie is projected."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
They aren’t blind to the challenges of being a screenwriter.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 5, 2026
It has been written by screenwriter Sarah Quintrell, who wrote nine of the series' 10 episodes, while Asim Abbasi returns to direct the special.
From BBC ● Nov. 2, 2026
Director Rob Savage and screenwriter Nathan Elston do not solely blame Ursula for the problems within her family unit.
From Salon ● Oct. 30, 2026
The former James Bond actor credits screenwriter Jez Butterworth for the "orchestration" of his "clever" plot development.
From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2026
Amelia is the director and lead vocal talent, Serenity is the screenwriter and side vocals, and I’m the animator.
From "I Can Make This Promise" by Christine Day
My parents, Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord, are both accomplished screenwriters, and my grandfather was director Elia Kazan.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026
BBC News spoke to Bailey, screenwriters, TV critics and former Drag Race contestants about the move and what it means for on-screen representation.
From BBC ● Sep. 12, 2026
Murdoch, his business empire and his feuds with his six children have become rich pickings for authors, screenwriters and directors.
From Barron's ● Sep. 2, 2026
There’s a comic trope beloved by playwrights, novelists and screenwriters about the fighters all suited up for battle, only to discover that their adversary refuses to play.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 30, 2026
The ten directors and screenwriters were thrown in prison for contempt of Congress.
From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau
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