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Movie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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movie

[ˈmuːvi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

entertainment

A motion picture intended to be shown in a theater or on television, usually consisting of a sequence of images shown in rapid succession.

Synonyms

cinema, film, motion picture, picture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
movie

Commonly used in everyday conversation and informal settings. It refers to a film that is shown in a theater or on television.

  • Let's watch a movie tonight
  • I saw a great movie over the weekend
film

Often used in more formal or professional settings, or by critics. It can also be used to describe the physical medium on which movies were traditionally recorded.

  • The film received several awards
  • They are filming a new documentary
motion picture

A formal term, often used in legal, academic, or historical contexts.

  • The motion picture industry has evolved significantly
  • The first motion picture was created in the late 19th century
cinema

Refers to the place where movies are shown. It is also used in British English to refer to movies in general.

  • I'm going to the cinema
  • The cinema down the street is showing an old classic
picture

An older or more nostalgic term for a movie, sometimes used in Hollywood or in artistic contexts.

  • He's working on a new picture
  • The picture won several Academy Awards

Examples of usage

  • Let's go watch a movie tonight.
  • I love going to the movies on weekends.
  • The new movie is getting great reviews.
  • She starred in a popular movie last year.
  • The movie won several awards at the film festival.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A story or event recorded by a camera as a set of moving images and shown in a theater or on television; a motion picture.

Synonyms

cinema, film, motion picture, picture.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
movie

Commonly used in everyday conversation in American English to refer to a film or motion picture. Informal and casual.

  • Let's go see a movie tonight.
  • That was the best movie I've seen all year.
film

Used in both British and American English; often implies a more artistic, serious, or historical perspective. Suitable for formal discussion.

  • The film was awarded three Oscars.
  • I studied film in college.
motion picture

A very formal and old-fashioned term, more common in historical contexts or formal writing.

  • The history of the motion picture industry is fascinating.
  • This motion picture has been preserved in the national archives.
cinema

Typically used in British English; refers to both the place where films are shown and the films themselves. Formal and casual.

  • We can meet at the cinema at 7 PM.
  • Cinema has evolved a lot over the last few decades.
picture

An old-fashioned term for film or movie, often used in the early 20th century. Can sound dated in modern usage.

  • That was a great picture we saw last night.
  • The picture is set during the Great Depression.

Examples of usage

  • I watched a great movie last night.
  • This movie is based on a true story.
  • She is directing her first movie.
  • The movie industry is booming.
  • Do you want to go see a movie with me?

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'movie'

The term 'movie' originated in the late 19th century as a shortening of 'moving picture'. The concept of projecting moving images on a screen has evolved over time, leading to the development of the film industry and the popularity of movies as a form of entertainment. Today, movies are a significant part of global culture, with a wide range of genres and styles captivating audiences worldwide.

See also: immovability, immovable, movability, movable, move, moved, movement, mover, moves, moving, movingly, remove, unmovable, unmovably, unmoved.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,698, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.