cinematic

adjective

cin·​e·​mat·​ic ˌsi-nə-ˈma-tik 

1

: of, relating to, suggestive of, or suitable for movies or the filming of movies

cinematic principles and techniques

cinematic special effects

2

: filmed and presented as a movie

cinematic fantasies

a cinematic adaptation of a novel

cinematically

ˌsi-nə-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of cinematic in a Sentence

a director who has produced some great cinematic moments

Recent Examples on the Web

With an eye for eerie detail, Burke balances the tightly-wound mystery with cinematic descriptions of homesteading life and the occasional moment of beauty as Natalie’s resistance is tested. —Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026

On its cinematic merits alone, the film would never have generated the profusion of think pieces, explainers, debates, and interviews that have both probed and promoted it in recent weeks. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 7 Apr. 2026

Despite Jamaica’s profound worldwide cultural influence, its folklore is rarely explored through a cinematic horror lens. —Roberto Prieto, Variety, 7 Apr. 2026

The festival, now in its 55th year, champions rising, new, and distinctive cinematic voices from around the world. —Indiewire Staff, IndieWire, 6 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see cinema

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for cinematic

• achromatic
• acrobatic
• adriatic
• aliphatic
• antistatic
• aromatic
• astigmatic
• autocratic
• automatic
• bureaucratic
• charismatic
• cholestatic