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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Kentucky Theatre, a historic Lexington arthouse cinema, offers unique film experiences, events and a festival for local cinephiles. Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 7 Mar. 2026 For these young cinephiles, browsing the aisles of a physical store has become a social ritual. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 6 Mar. 2026 By choosing her references from the big screen rather than history, she’s made a film for cinephiles, not the bookworms. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 12 Feb. 2026 If even a die-hard Huppert admirer like me has trouble getting through it, why would a casual cinephile bother? Peter Debruge, Variety, 8 Feb. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cinephile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cinephile. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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