# screenplay

/ˈskɹinˌpɫeɪ/ (US) · /skɹˈiːnpleɪ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/screenplay
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. film or TV script

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The director spent months working on the screenplay before they started filming.
- The studio executive rejected the screenplay, citing a lack of character development and a predictable third act.

## Examples

- She wrote a screenplay about a space adventure.
- The director hired a new writer to polish the screenplay before filming started.
- The screenplay's tight structure and sharp dialogue earned it critical acclaim, proving that a strong script is the foundation of any successful film.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.