# matinee

/ˈmætɪˌneɪ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/matinee
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a show or movie that happens in the afternoon. It is a word you might see in old theater posters or in books about the past.

For teachers: a performance or screening held in the afternoon. Archaic in modern register; primarily encountered in historical or literary contexts.

## Examples

- The matinee started at two o'clock in the afternoon.
- The theater was packed for the matinee, as many families preferred to see the show before the dinner rush.
- While the evening performances were reserved for the elite, the matinee provided a more accessible option for the working class to enjoy the latest theatrical productions.

---

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.