ENGLISH
REFERENCE

screenplay

n.
US //ˈskɹinˌpɫeɪ// UK //skɹˈiːnpleɪ// screen·play
  1. 1 film or TV script (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    the written text for a film or television show that tells the actors what to say and do.

    the written text of a film or television programme, providing dialogue and stage directions for the cast and crew.

    Example

    The director spent months working on the screenplay before they started filming.

    Example

    The studio executive rejected the screenplay, citing a lack of character development and a predictable third act.
Origin

From screen + play.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026