Word
hollywood
Phoneticshol·ly·wood, stress on the first syllable
/ˈhɑɫiˌwʊd/
Definitions
01the place
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun
n. a district in Los Angeles, California, that is famous for being the center of the movie industry.
n. a specific geographical district in Los Angeles, California, historically and culturally identified as the hub of the American film industry.
“When we visited California, we took a photo of the famous Hollywood sign on the hill.”
“The tour bus wound through the narrow streets of Hollywood, passing historic studios that helped define the golden age of American cinema.”
02the film industry
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun
n. the American movie industry as a whole, no matter where the films are actually filmed.
n. the American motion picture industry considered collectively, including its commercial interests, cultural influence, and celebrity ecosystem.
“Many young actors move to the city hoping to make it big in Hollywood.”
“Critics argue that Hollywood has become too reliant on sequels and established franchises rather than investing in original screenplays.”
Synonyms
03style of movies
B1 · Intermediate
adj. related to or typical of the movies made in the US, often meaning they are expensive or have a happy ending.
adj. characteristic of the style, production values, or narrative conventions associated with major American studio films.
“The story was okay, but it had a very typical Hollywood ending where everyone is happy.”
“The director avoided Hollywood tropes, choosing instead a gritty, realistic aesthetic that challenged the audience's expectations.”
Synonyms
Etymology
The name of the neighbourhood in Los Angeles (proper noun sense 1) was coined by real estate developer H. J. Whitley, from holly + wood. By metonymy, it became the name of the industry, and eventually also a name for decadence.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. go Hollywood
02. Hollywood moment
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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