noun C1 Advanced Uncommon

screenplay

SKREEN-play

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Screenplay (noun) means the written text of a film or TV show, including dialogue, scenes, and action descriptions. Example: “The director asked for three rewrites of the screenplay before filming began.”

noun

The written text of a film or TV show, including dialogue, scenes, and action descriptions.

"The director asked for three rewrites of the screenplay before filming began."

"She spent two years writing a screenplay based on her grandmother's life."

verb

To write a screenplay for a film or show.

"He was hired to screenplay the sequel."

How to use screenplay

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe full written blueprint for a movie or TV episode — dialogue, scene descriptions, and stage directions.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "script" generally — a screenplay specifically refers to film/TV writing, while "script" can also mean a stage play or even computer code.

Common pairings

write a screenplay adapt a screenplay original screenplay

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: screenplays
Third person singular: screenplays
Past tense: screenplayed

Test yourself on “screenplay” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The director asked for three rewrites of the _____ before filming began.

Etymology

A straightforward blend of "screen" (the cinema screen) and "play" (a dramatic script), coined once movies needed their own term distinct from stage plays.

Synonyms

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script teleplay shooting script

Related words

hand writing code script prescription manuscript bot alphabet

Rhymes for screenplay

ay may day say ray hay lay pay jay way yay nay

See all rhymes for screenplay →

Frequently asked questions

What does “screenplay” mean?

The word “screenplay” means the written text of a film or TV show, including dialogue, scenes, and action descriptions. In plain terms, the full written blueprint for a movie or TV episode — dialogue, scene descriptions, and stage directions.

How do you pronounce “screenplay”?

“Screenplay” is pronounced SKREEN-play (/ˈskɹiːnˌpleɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “screenplay” in a sentence?

Here is “screenplay” used in a sentence: “The director asked for three rewrites of the screenplay before filming began.”

What part of speech is “screenplay”?

Depending on how it is used, “screenplay” can be a noun and a verb.

Is “screenplay” a common word?

“Screenplay” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.

How many meanings does “screenplay” have?

“Screenplay” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the written text of a film or TV show, including dialogue, scenes, and action descriptions.

What is the difference between a screenplay and a script?

A screenplay specifically refers to the written text for a film or TV show, including dialogue, scene descriptions, and action. 'Script' is a broader term that can refer to writing for film, television, theatre, radio, or other performance media, so every screenplay is a script but not every script is a screenplay.

What is the difference between a screenplay and a novel?

A screenplay is written to be performed and filmed, focusing on dialogue, action descriptions, and scene structure rather than the internal narration and prose style found in a novel. Screenplays follow strict formatting conventions for scene headings and camera direction that novels don't use.

Can screenplay be used as a verb?

Yes, screenplay can function as a verb meaning to write a screenplay for a film or show, though this usage is far less common than the noun form referring to the written text itself.

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