script

UK: /ˈskrɪpt/ US: /skrɪpt/ ,(skript)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

script /skrɪpt/  n. 

1. the characters used in handwriting:
   [uncountable] First we learned how to make block letters, then we learned script.
2. Show Business the written words of a play, etc.:
   [countable] had to write a script every week for his boss, who was a comedian.
3. any system of writing:
   [uncountable] Persian script.
   [countable] an ancient script.
4. a plan:
   [countable] Don't deviate from the script and everything will be fine.

v. [~ + object]

5. to write a script for:
   to script a play.
6. to plan:
   This emergency was one they hadn't scripted for.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

script  (skript), n. 

1. the letters or characters used in writing by hand;
   handwriting, esp. cursive writing.
2. a manuscript or document.
3. the text of a manuscript or document.
4. Show Business the manuscript or one of various copies of the written text of a play, motion picture, or radio or television broadcast.
5. any system of writing.
6. Printing a type imitating handwriting. Cf. cursive. 

v.t. 

7. to write a script for:
   The movie was scripted by a famous author.
8. to plan or devise;
   make arrangements for:
   The week-long festivities were scripted by a team of experts.

• Latin, as above
• Old French escrit
• Latin scrīptum, noun, nominal use of neuter past participle of scrībere to write; replacing Middle English scrit
• Middle English (noun, nominal) 1325–75

script′er, n. 

Script., 

1. Scriptural.
2. Scripture.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

script / skrɪpt/ noun

1. handwriting as distinguished from print, esp cursive writing
2. the letters, characters, or figures used in writing by hand
3. any system or style of writing
4. written copy for the use of performers in films and plays
5. an original or principal document
6. any of various typefaces that imitate handwriting
7. a series of instructions that is executed by a computer program
8. an answer paper in an examination
9. another word for scrip3

verb

1. (transitive) to write a script for

Etymology: 14th Century: from Latin scriptum something written, from scrībere to write

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

scrip¹ /skrɪp/   n. 

1. Business [uncountable] paper money printed for temporary use in emergency situations.
2. [countable] a certificate representing a fraction of a share of stock.

See -scrib-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

scrip¹  (skrip), n. 

1. a receipt, certificate, list, or similar brief piece of writing.
2. a scrap of paper.
3. Business [Finance.]
   • a certificate representing a fraction of a share of stock.
   • Business a certificate to be exchanged for goods, as at a company store.
   • Business a certificate indicating the right of the holder to receive payment later in the form of cash, goods, or land.
4. Currency paper currency in denominations of less than one dollar, formerly issued in the United States.

• 1610–20; earliest sense "scrap of paper'' perh. gradational variant of scrap¹; subsequent sense development shows influence of script and subscription, with def. 3a specifically a shortening of subscription receipt

scrip′less, adj. 

scrip²  (skrip), n. [Archaic.]

1. a bag or wallet carried by wayfarers.

• ?
• Medieval Latin scrippum pilgrim's pack
• Middle English scrippe 1250–1300

scrip³  (skrip), n. [Informal.]

1. Informal Terms a prescription, as for a drug.

• shortening of prescription 1965–70

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

scrip / skrɪp/ noun

1. a written certificate, list, etc
2. a small scrap, esp of paper with writing on it
3. a certificate representing a claim to part of a share of stock
4. the shares allocated in a bonus issue

Etymology: 18th Century: in some senses, probably from script; otherwise, short for subscription receipt

scrip / skrɪp/, script noun

1. a medical prescription

Etymology: 20th Century: short for prescription