# Hollywood

/ˈhɑɫiˌwʊd/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hollywood
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the place

noun · CEFR A2

a district in Los Angeles, California, that is famous for being the center of the movie industry.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. the film industry

noun · CEFR A2

the American movie industry as a whole, no matter where the films are actually filmed.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. style of movies

adjective · CEFR B1

related to or typical of the movies made in the US, often meaning they are expensive or have a happy ending.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- She moved to Hollywood to become a famous actress.
- Many people dream of success in Hollywood, but the competition for even small roles is incredibly high.
- The transition from silent films to 'talkies' fundamentally reshaped Hollywood, establishing the studio system that would dominate global entertainment for decades.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.