storyboard

American  

[stawr-ee-bawrd, stohr-ee-bohrd] / ˈstɔr iˌbɔrd, ˈstoʊr iˌboʊrd /

noun

1. a panel or panels on which a sequence of sketches depict the significant changes of action and scene in a planned film, as for a movie, television show, or advertisement.

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storyboard British  

/ ˈstɔːrɪˌbɔːd /

noun

1. (in films, television, advertising, etc) a series of sketches or photographs showing the sequence of shots or images planned for a film

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Etymology

Origin of storyboard

Probably earlier than 1945–50; story ¹ + board

Example Sentences

As a writer and storyboard artist, she helped intrepid heroes Jake the Dog and Finn the Human become iconic toon characters.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 17, 2026

When anyone can draft a passable paragraph or storyboard an idea, exceptional talent becomes more apparent than ever.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

Students typed prompts into Dzine, an AI image editing platform, which seconds later displayed images of polar bears and arctic explorers for use in a nature documentary storyboard.

From Barron's • Nov. 7, 2025

While a traditional ad campaign might require weeks of brainstorming sessions, focus groups and meticulous production schedules, AI can spit out a ready-made storyboard in minutes.

From Salon • Nov. 24, 2024

Leo showed Jenny a storyboard sketching out the action shots.

From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• cartoon
• depiction
• design
• etching
• graphics
• layout
• likeness
• painting
• picture
• sketch
• study
• work of art