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cinema

American  
[sin-uh-muh] / ˈsɪn ə mə /

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 British  
/ ˈsɪnɪmə, ˌsɪnɪˈmætɪk /

noun

    1. a place designed for the exhibition of films

    2. ( as modifier )

      a cinema seat

    1. the art or business of making films

    2. films collectively

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • cinematic adjective
  • cinematically adverb

Etymology

Origin of cinema

First recorded in 1895–1900; short for cinematograph

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

You can take a Pilates class on the Cocowalk rooftop overlooking the harbor or relax with a glass of wine while catching the latest flick at the luxury cinema house.

From MarketWatch

India's southern state of Tamil Nadu has a long, peculiar political tradition: here, cinema doesn't merely entertain, it also governs.

From BBC

"Cinema should be seen in cinemas," he said to cheers from the crowd.

From BBC

And of course, for all of the business side, if we put it aside, I do believe people want to go to the cinema and watch movies.

From Los Angeles Times

Ingle's relatives, boxers and former trainers from the Ingle Gym are expected to be in the audience at a special screening at The Light cinema in Sheffield on Thursday.

From BBC