American English

How to pronounce screenplay

nounB2
SKREENplay

/ˈskɹinˌpleɪ/

2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

The written text for a movie, including the characters’ words and instructions for what happens on screen.

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

noun

The written text for a movie, including the characters’ words and instructions for what happens on screen.

She is writing a screenplay about a young chef.

The director changed the ending of the screenplay.

Good to know

A screenplay is specifically for a movie. Script is a wider word and can also mean the written text for a TV show or play.

Common phrases & grammar

write a screenplay · original screenplay · adapted screenplay · award-winning screenplay

the screenplay for [a movie]

a screenplay about [a person or event]

Related words & forms