What does "cinema" mean?

1. (films collectively) films as a group, or the business and art of making them. 2. (high-quality film) a way to describe a film that is very artistic, beautiful, or impressive.

How do you use "cinema"?

Often used uncountably when referring to the art form or industry. Often used as a one-word reaction or caption to a visually stunning scene.

cinema

US //ˈsɪnəmə// UK //sˈɪnəmɐ// cin·e·ma

1 films collectively (n.)
B1 Intermediate Theatre

films as a group, or the business and art of making them.

the medium of filmmaking considered as an art form or a collective industry.

Example

She decided to study French cinema because she loved old black-and-white movies.

Example

The festival celebrates world cinema, providing a platform for independent directors who operate outside the traditional Hollywood studio system.

Usage

Often used uncountably when referring to the art form or industry.
- film
- motion pictures
- the silver screen
2 high-quality film (n.)
C1 Advanced Informal Humorous Slang

a way to describe a film that is very artistic, beautiful, or impressive.

a term used to distinguish artistically significant or sophisticated films from purely commercial entertainment.

Example

The cinematography in that last scene was absolute cinema.

Example

While some critics dismissed the blockbuster as mere spectacle, fans on social media hailed its visual storytelling as peak cinema.

Usage

Often used as a one-word reaction or caption to a visually stunning scene.

Teacher's tip

This sense has become a popular internet meme used to praise high-quality production values, often with a touch of irony.
- masterpiece
- art film

Origin

Borrowed from French cinéma, clipping of cinématographe (term coined by the Lumière brothers in the 1890s), from Ancient Greek κίνημα (kínēma, “movement”) + γράφω (gráphō, “write, record”). Compare German Kino (“cinema”), ultimately from the same Greek source.