cinema

[ˈsɪnəmə]
nounmasculinepl: cinemas
cinema
1. a theater where movies are shown to audiences
We went to the cinema to watch the new action film.
Fomos ao cinema para assistir o novo filme de ação.
2. the production of movies as an art or industry
Italian cinema is known for its artistic films.
O cinema italiano é conhecido por seus filmes artísticos.
3. movies or films collectively
Modern cinema has evolved with digital technology.
O cinema moderno evoluiu com a tecnologia digital.
In Brazil, going to the cinema (ir ao cinema) is a popular social activity and cultural pastime. Brazilians enjoy both Hollywood blockbusters and Brazilian cinema (cinema brasileiro). The word is used identically in Portugal. In American English, 'the movies' or 'movie theater' is more common than 'cinema,' though 'cinema' is used in film studies and artistic contexts.
NYC Slang
the movies
Synonyms / Sinônimos
movie theatertheaterfilmpicture house

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
cinema
most common term for movie theater
São Paulo
cinema
standard usage, sometimes called 'sessão de cinema'
Rio de Janeiro
cinema
standard usage, colloquially 'ir ao cinema' (go to the movies)
Portugal
cinema
identical to Brazilian Portuguese; European Portuguese also uses 'cinema'

Related Words

filmmoviescreenprojectiontheateraudiencepopcorndirector

Related Idioms & Phrases

go to the cinema
cinema buff (film enthusiast)
cinema screen
cinema-goer
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