cinephile

noun

cine·​phile ˈsi-nə-ˌfī(-ə)l How to pronounce cinephile (audio)
: a lover of films : a cinema enthusiast

Examples of cinephile in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Without question, Bardot expanded the appeal of international films from cinephiles and college students. Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026 Adventurous cinephiles came to worship his enveloping dramas, and directors like Jim Jarmusch and Gus Van Sant were heavily influenced by his contemplative style and underappreciated deadpan comedic style. Tim Grierson, Rolling Stone, 6 Jan. 2026 Nouvelle Vague' Richard Linklater’s black-and-white love letter to French New Wave cinema premiered in Austin with the air of an event — part film screening, part cinephile communion. Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026 When Cakarel founded the company in 2007, Mubi was primarily known as a message board for hard-core cinephiles to discuss their favorite directors. Will Tavlin, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cinephile

Word History

Etymology

French cinéphile, from ciné + -phile

First Known Use

1929, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cinephile was in 1929

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Cite this Entry

“Cinephile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cinephile. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.

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