A1noun 1K

Cinema

UK //ˈsɪn.ə.mə// US //ˈsɪn.ə.mə// Pronunciation

Definition

A building where films are shown to the public.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A place where films are shown.

Examples

• The new movie is playing at the cinema this weekend.
• She loves going to the cinema with her friends.
• He met her at the cinema after school.
• The cinema was packed for the premiere of the film.
• They decided to watch a romantic movie at the cinema.

Usage notes

Use 'cinema' when referring to the building or experience of watching movies. 'Movie theater' is more common in American English.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'cinema' like a 'scene' from a movie.

Collocations

• go to the cinema
• watch a movie at the cinema
• buy cinema tickets

Synonyms

• movie theater
• film house
• picture house

Antonyms

• theater
• home

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'theater', which refers to live performances.
• Using 'cinema' instead of 'film' when discussing the movie itself.