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. Chiefly British.,  Also kinema 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. 1. the art or business of making films

   2. films collectively

Other Word Forms

• cinematic adjective
• cinematically adverb

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

The pledge obligates actors, directors and producers not to screen films, appear in or work with what it considers complicit institutions, including festivals, cinemas, broadcasters and production companies.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In a cinema landscape full of superheroes and robots, Fast & Furious found a lane for fans of over-the-top auto stunts and a huge, racially diverse cast who emphasize their bonds as a family.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

One of the first films I ever saw at a local cinema was “My Left Foot.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In a cinema screening to accompany the new album, Swift has now revealed that the track is "a love letter to someone who hates you".

Read more on BBC

“What do people go to the cinema to see?” she says.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• film 
• movie house www.thesaurus.com
• movie theater