script

¹

[skript]

noun

1. the letters or characters used in writing by hand; handwriting, especially cursive writing.

2. a manuscript or document.

3. the text of a manuscript or document.

4. the manuscript or one of various copies of the written text of a play, motion picture, or radio or television broadcast.

5. any system of writing.

6. Printing.,  a type imitating handwriting.

7. Digital Technology.,  an executable section of code that automates a task.

   You will have to run the script to install the program on your computer.

verb (used with object)

1. to write a script for.

   The movie was scripted by a famous author.

2. to plan or devise; make arrangements for.

   The week-long festivities were scripted by a team of experts.

3. Digital Technology.,  to write an executable section of code for (a program) in order to automate a task.

   You can script a program that will scan your files.

verb (used without object)

1. Digital Technology.,  to write an executable section of code that automates a task.

   Most programmers script in more than one programming language.

Script.

²

abbreviation

1. Scriptural.

2. Scripture.

script

/ skrɪpt /

noun

1. handwriting as distinguished from print, esp cursive writing

2. the letters, characters, or figures used in writing by hand

3. any system or style of writing

4. written copy for the use of performers in films and plays

5. law

   1. an original or principal document

   2. (esp in England) a will or codicil or the draft for one

6. any of various typefaces that imitate handwriting

7. computing a series of instructions that is executed by a computer program

8. an answer paper in an examination

9. another word for scrip 3

verb

1. (tr) to write a script for

Other Word Forms

• scripter noun
• underscript noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of script¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English (noun), from Latin scriptum, noun use of neuter past participle of scrībere “to write”; replacing Middle English scrit, from Old French escrit, from Latin, as above; (verb) first recorded in 1930–35; from the noun.

Word History and Origins

Origin of script¹

C14: from Latin scriptum something written, from scrībere to write

Example Sentences

In essence, the King will stick to the script given to him by the UK government.

From BBC

Det Insp Ben Dalloway, who led the investigation, said the attack had been "well organised, well planned, well scripted," with the use of stolen vehicles on false plates that were later found burnt out.

From BBC

The script only has a few ideas under its belt, but they’re effective, particularly our dawning recognition that while Christy thinks she’s fighting to prove her worth, she’s really fighting for the patriarchy.

From Los Angeles Times

A spokesperson for the BBC said the new shows demonstrated its commitment to reinvesting all of the money spent on the daytime medical drama Doctors into new scripted programming in the West Midlands.

From BBC

Some states, it turns out, are trying to flip the script.

From Salon

Related Words

• article 
• book 
• copy 
• dialogue 
• libretto 
• manuscript 
• scenario 
• text