matinee idol

noun

: a handsome male performer

Examples of matinee idol 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.
While doubling for the silent matinee idol William Desmond, stunt man Jean Perkins was killed while jumping from the top of a speeding train to grab a rope ladder dropped from a plane swooping in from above. Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2025 But the film has no time for matinee idols or Hollywood heroism, casting them as highly competent cogs in a machine that prizes teamwork over individual valor. Thomas Page, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025 Val’s physicality and matinee idol looks only made the whole thing much funnier. Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025 As the rare matinee idol under 30, Chalamet has the rare ability to riff with the likes of Theo Von or Brittany Broski — modern media moguls who command a large Gen Z audience via TikTok and YouTube — without seeming like a try-hard. Alison Herman, Variety, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for matinee idol

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of matinee idol was in 1897

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Matinee idol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matinee%20idol. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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