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• script
  script

  noun

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

  abbreviation

  Scriptural.

script

¹ American  

[skript] / skrɪpt /

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.

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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 American  

abbreviation

1. Scriptural.

2. Scripture.

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script British  

/ 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

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verb

1. (tr) to write a script for

Other Word Forms

• scripter
  noun
• underscript
  noun

Etymology

Origin of script

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.

Explanation

A script is a written version of a play or movie. If you're auditioning for a movie, you'll get the script to practice a scene or two. Script comes from the Latin scrībĕre, meaning "to write," and all its meanings have to do with something written. Your handwriting is your script. The written version of what you're supposed to say, whether for a wedding toast or a play, is a script. And if you were feeling old-fashioned you could call the grocery list you just wrote a script. It's also a verb. You can script a play.

Example Sentences

Shaffer’s script was inspired by Alexander Pushkin’s 1830 drama, “Mozart and Salieri,” which Pushkin spun from rumors circulating in the wake of Mozart’s death.

From Salon • May 16, 2026

The film's script is being written by Matt Charman, who was nominated for an Oscar in 2016 for co-writing Steven Spielberg's Cold War drama Bridge of Spies.

From BBC • May 15, 2026

"They kept off sensitive topics and followed the script to show the world that they can manage their competition and can cooperate on issues that are of no detriment," he said.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

Todd Blanche followed a different script when he stepped into the role in 2025, bringing a bold and vocal approach that had defined his work as Donald Trump’s go-to defense attorney.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

Mami stood there watching, as I picked up the pencil, carefully tore a sheet from my notebook, and, in labored script, wrote, “Dear Tata, I hope when you receive this letter...”

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

Related Words

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