cinema

noun

ˈsi-nə-mə How to pronounce cinema (audio)
Definition of cinemanext
1
as in film
the art or business of making a movie felt that the cinema was one of the most challenging and fulfilling forms of artistic expression

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in theater
a building or part of a building where movies are shown got a job cleaning the cinemas at the multiplex

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of cinema Thousands of cinema musicians lost their jobs as theaters installed sound equipment. — David Woodard, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 The Kinéo Awards will also shine a stronger light on international cinema by welcoming Turkish star Alp Navruz and Oka Giner from Mexico. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026 Steiner believed the decline had begun in the 1950s, with the growth of radio, cinema, and television. — Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026 Paramount and other groups, including cinema chain owners and some Hollywood unions, have agitated for a settlement to curtail months of uncertainty over whether the deal will go through. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cinema
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cinema
  1. film
  2. theater
  3. filmmaking
  4. playhouse
  5. movie
Noun
  • Whenever the veteran coach looked at game film, Scott always seemed to be there making a big throw or run.
    — Stan Awtrey, AJC.com, 20 Aug. 2026
  • At the same time, the film tells a true story that powerfully illustrates how indispensable investigative journalism is in uncovering historical crimes.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of film
Noun
  • Viola Davis The EGOT-winning Davis and Panettiere worked together on the 2016 courtroom drama Custody, directed by theater icon James Lapine.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The theater has hosted a Jimmy Buffett concert, a high school graduation, an outdoor ice skating rink, and Fourth of July festivities, along with its nightly fare.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of theater
Noun
  • Universal acclaim or not, the film launched his groundbreaking directing career and helped usher in a new era of Black independent filmmaking.
    — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
  • While visual effects can enhance martial arts on screen, Wu argues that authentic filmmaking still depends on performance.
    — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 25 July 2026
Definition of filmmaking
Noun
  • Massanutten Resort, Virginia Climb to the top of Massanutten Resort‘s towering playhouse for a good overview of all the water cannons and waterfalls, as well as the giant tipping bucket.
    — Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Her Mame years kicked off with a national tour in 1965, followed by summer engagements, bus & truck tours and stops in Las Vegas, playhouses and dinner theaters.
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026
Definition of playhouse
Noun
  • Want to use a song in a movie, advertisement or television show?
    — Charlotte Isidore, NPR, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The airline began moving away from the screens nearly a decade ago, betting that passengers would instead watch movies and television on their own devices.
    — Rajesh Kumar Singh, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of movie

Browse Nearby Words

cinctures
cinema
cinemas
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cinema.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cinema. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cinema

Nglish: Translation of cinema for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cinema

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