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matinee

Matinee (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ˈmætɪneɪ/

What does matinee mean?

A performance, especially a theatrical or musical one, that takes place during the daytime, typically in the afternoon.
"We met for a matinee lunch before the musical show started."

Detailed Meaning of Matinee

Matinees are often scheduled for a more convenient time for audiences who prefer to attend shows during the day, such as children, seniors, or those who work evenings. They can also be cheaper than evening performances and are often held on weekends or holidays to allow more people to attend. Matinees can include a wide range of performances, from plays and musicals to concerts and film screenings. The term matinee is commonly used in the entertainment industry, and it has become an established part of many cultural traditions around the world.

Example Sentences for Matinee

1. The theater offers a special discount for the matinee showings.
2. We decided to catch the matinee performance of the new musical.
3. The matinee crowd was lively and excited about the upcoming movie.
4. The matinee started promptly at 2 p.
5. m.
6. , as scheduled.

Origin and Etymology of Matinee

The noun 'matinee' has its etymological origins in French. It is derived from the French word 'matinée,' which comes from 'matin,' meaning 'morning.' Originally, a 'matinée' referred to a morning performance or event. However, over time, especially in English, it came to specifically denote a performance, especially a theatrical or musical one, that takes place during the daytime, typically in the afternoon. This shift in meaning reflects the adaptation of the term to suit the cultural preferences for afternoon entertainment, and it has since become a standard term for daytime performances in various forms of entertainment, highlighting its historical connection to the morning but its practical application to afternoon events, as conveyed by its linguistic heritage.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun matinee:

afternoon show

night show

late show

evening performance

Try Again!

Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Matinee

1. I love going to the matinee because the ticket prices are more affordable.
2. The matinee audience applauded enthusiastically at the end of the play.
3. The matinee screening of the documentary drew a large crowd.
4. My friends and I enjoyed a matinee showing of the latest blockbuster.
5. The matinee performance was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
6. The matinee tickets sold out quickly due to high demand.
7. I always bring a snack to enjoy during the matinee movie.
8. The matinee play received rave reviews from the critics.
9. The matinee performance was filled with laughter and applause.
10. We arrived early to secure good seats for the matinee show.
11. The matinee audience consisted of families and elderly couples.
12. The matinee schedule is perfect for those who prefer daytime entertainment.
13. I bought a matinee ticket for the ballet performance.
14. The matinee matinees at the local theater are very popular among students.
15. The matinee performance was a matinee delight for theater lovers.
16. We made it a tradition to have lunch before the matinee show at the nearby café.
17. I prefer attending the matinee performance of the play, as it's cheaper than the evening one.
18. We took the kids to see the matinee showing of the new animated movie.
19. The theater was full for the matinee, with people of all ages in attendance.
20. The matinee was rescheduled due to bad weather, causing disappointment among the audience.
21. The matinee concert featured a mix of classical and contemporary music.
22. I always make sure to arrive early for the matinee to get the best seats.
23. The matinee screening of the documentary was followed by a Q&A with the director.
24. The actors had to do a double matinee on weekends to accommodate the high demand for tickets.
25. The matinee performance of the ballet was breathtakingly beautiful.
26. The matinee audience gave a standing ovation to the cast after the show ended.
27. The theater offers discounts for matinee performances to encourage more people to attend.