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

Diane Keaton, who died Saturday at 79, is one of cinema’s most legendary actors.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The opening dance routine for movie week was inspired by the film's forthcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good, which hits cinemas next month.

Read more on BBC

Her passing marks the end of an era — not just for American cinema, but for the modern woman she helped define.

Read more on Salon

In their first regime, the Taliban banned television, music and cinema, barred girls from school, forced women to wear the all-covering burka and men to grow beards.

Read more on BBC

Jay Kelly will be released in cinemas on 14 November, and on Netflix on 5 December.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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