nickelodeon

noun

nick·​el·​ode·​on ˌni-kə-ˈlō-dē-ən How to pronounce nickelodeon (audio)
1
: an early movie theater to which admission usually cost five cents
2

Examples of nickelodeon 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.
Budget-friendly movie houses known as nickelodeons became a favorite attraction for urban dwellers in the first two decades of the 20th century. Timeka Tounsel, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 After the wildcat ways of the nickelodeon period gave way to the assembly line machinery of the studio system, stunt people — out of a sense of professionalism not to say self-preservation — embraced their vocation as serious business. Thomas Doherty, HollywoodReporter, 14 June 2025 But just before moving pictures started to proliferate in their nickelodeon infancy, the Shuberts saw an opportunity in the legitimate theater and grabbed it. Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025 But just before moving pictures started to proliferate in their nickelodeon infancy, the Shuberts saw an opportunity in the legitimate theater and grabbed it. Frank Rich, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nickelodeon

Word History

Etymology

probably from nickel + -odeon (as in melodeon music hall)

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of nickelodeon was in 1888

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nickelodeon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nickelodeon. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

nickelodeon

noun
nick·​el·​ode·​on ˌnik-ə-ˈlōd-ē-ən How to pronounce nickelodeon (audio)
1
: an early movie theater charging five cents for admission
2
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