matinée

American  

[mat-n-ey, mat-n-ey] / ˌmæt nˈeɪ, ˈmæt nˌeɪ /

Or matinee

noun

1. an entertainment, especially a dramatic or musical performance, held in the daytime, usually in the afternoon.

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matinée British  

/ ˈmætɪˌneɪ /

noun

1. a daytime, esp afternoon, performance of a play, concert, etc

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Etymology

Origin of matinée

1840–50; < French: morning. See matin

Explanation

An afternoon performance is called a matinee, like a matinee performance of a play that starts at two o’clock. The noun matinee is related to French word matin, which means “morning.” From the 1930’s through the 1960’s, afternoon movies were the precursors to soap operas and the term “matinee idol” referred to the male heartthrobs who acted in them. Such men had many fans but they didn't have the critical respect of "prime time" actors. In many places, heading to a movie matinee is a way to save a few bucks; it's cheaper than evening ticket prices.

Example Sentences

It’s been a bit shocking how good some of the pre-filmed pieces this season have looked, including this one, a “Lord of the Rings” Midnight Matinee sketch called “Bobbin’s Sacrifice.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

Matinee movie screenings have long been a way to save a few bucks, if your schedule allows.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2024

Matinee tickets cost $4 per child and $4 per adult.

From Textbooks • Apr. 22, 2020

Sneaker fans tried to outdo each other with new names for the shoes, such as “The Bed Bath and Beyond 5s” or “The Matinee 2:30s.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2016

The Matinee Musical was to give a formal reception for the singer, so the Erlichs decided upon a dinner.

From One of Ours by Cather, Willa Sibert