cinema

[ sin-uh-muh ]

noun

1. movies collectively, as an art:

   During the Great Depression, cinema provided psychological comfort, an escape from the harsh realities of daily life.

2. Also Older Spelling, kin·e·ma []. Chiefly British. movie theater:

   Do you know if there is a cinema near the British Museum?

cinema

/ ˈsɪnɪmə; ˌsɪnɪˈmætɪk /

noun

1. 1. a place designed for the exhibition of films
   2. ( as modifier )

      a cinema seat

2. the cinema
   1. the art or business of making films
   2. films collectively

Derived Forms

• cinematic, adjective
• ˌcineˈmatically, adverb

Other Words From

• cin·e·mat·ic [sin-, uh, -, mat, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinema¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; short for cinematograph

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinema¹

C19 (earlier spelling kinema ): shortened from cinematograph

Example Sentences

It’s a unique blend of vintage cinema and modern soul.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the resulting building, which contained a spa pool and home cinema, was described by council enforcement officer Richard Proctor as "wholly unauthorised" and the family was forced to demolish it in February.

From BBC

Like the film itself, Golijov’s score is wildly eclectic and constantly referencing old cinema.

From Los Angeles Times

Warner Bros. did not report box office figures for “Juror #2,” which reportedly played in only a few dozen U.S. cinemas.

From Los Angeles Times

Silent Men is screened at Sheffield DocFest in June and is released in UK cinemas on 19 November.

From BBC

Related Words

• film
• movie house
• movie theater