Script
/skrɪpt/
Definitions
4 meaningsA written document containing the dialogue and instructions for a play, film, or broadcast.
/skrɪpt/
A written text of a play, movie, or broadcast.
The script for the new movie was leaked online.
💡 Simply: A script is like the blueprint for a movie or play! It has all the words the actors say and what they do. Imagine a script is a recipe for a performance!
👶 For kids: A script is like a story written down for a play or movie. It tells the actors what to say and do.
More Examples
She spent hours memorizing her lines from the script.
The screenwriter is working on the final draft of the script.
How It's Used
"The actors received the revised script for the next episode."
"The director made notes on the script during rehearsals."
A style of handwriting; a particular alphabet or system of writing.
/skrɪpt/
Handwriting.
The museum displayed ancient scrolls written in an unknown script.
💡 Simply: Think of the way you write your name or address, or if you've seen handwriting that looks like a specific font. This is also called script.
👶 For kids: Script can be a special way of writing, like fancy handwriting.
More Examples
His script was difficult to decipher.
She practiced her cursive script daily.
How It's Used
"The calligraphy used an elegant script."
"Deciphering the ancient script was a challenge."
A set of instructions for a computer, typically interpreted or executed by another program.
/skrɪpt/
A set of instructions that can be executed by a computer.
This website uses a JavaScript script to create interactive elements.
💡 Simply: When you tell a computer what to do using special words and commands, it is like writing a script for the computer. It helps the computer to run programs and do different things. It's like following a recipe of commands.
👶 For kids: A script can tell a computer what to do, like when you tell your robot toy what to do with a remote.
More Examples
The system administrator ran a shell script to back up the database.
She wrote a Python script to automate the data analysis.
How It's Used
"The website uses a JavaScript script to handle user interactions."
"A script automates tasks on the server."
To write a script for a play, film, or other work.
/skrɪpt/
To write a script for (a play, movie, etc.).
The director scripted the scene to build suspense.
💡 Simply: To 'script' something means to write the lines and actions for a story or program, just like writing a script for a movie!
👶 For kids: To script is to write the story for a play or movie.
More Examples
She scripted the entire play herself.
The team scripted the game's dialogue and cutscenes.
How It's Used
"He scripted the pilot episode of the new series."
"The playwright scripted the entire production."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
follow the script
To act or behave according to a predetermined plan or expectation.
"The politician was accused of simply following the script prepared by his advisors."
flipped the script
To change the established plan; to reverse the roles or outcome.
"The underdog team flipped the script and won the championship."
From Latin *scriptum* ('something written'), the past participle of *scribere* ('to write').
The word 'script' has been used since the 14th century, primarily in the context of handwriting or written documents, evolving later to encompass dramatic and computational uses.
Memory tip
Think of a SCRIP-ture, which guides how a story unfolds.
Word Origin
"something written"