What does matinee mean?
A matinee is a performance, screening, or social event held during the daytime, usually in the afternoon. The word is especially common in connection with theatre, films, concerts, and other entertainment, as in “the theatre hosts a Saturday matinee.” It can also describe a daytime gathering associated with fashion, exhibitions, or cultural activities. Although its name ultimately refers to the morning, a modern matinee usually begins in the afternoon and is valued as a daytime alternative to an evening engagement. The term is common in both British and American English, though its use may sound somewhat traditional in casual conversation. It is particularly associated with audiences composed of retired people, students, or others able to attend during working hours, although this association does not define the word’s meaning.
nounA theatrical performance, film screening, or other entertainment presented during the daytime, especially in the afternoon. The term can also refer more generally to a daytime social or cultural event.
- A theatrical performance, film screening, or other entertainment presented during the daytime, especially in the afternoon.
- A daytime social or cultural gathering, especially one held in connection with an artistic or fashionable event.
"They attended a matinee and then met friends for dinner in the evening."
"The theatre offers a matinee every Saturday afternoon."
"She wore a striking outfit to the spring fashion matinee."
The usual plural, used for multiple daytime performances or events.
"Two matinees are scheduled for the holiday weekend."
Matinee comes from French for “morning,” although the daytime events it now names usually take place in the afternoon.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does matinee come from?
Matinee was borrowed in the early 19th century from French matinée, meaning “morning” and originally referring to an early daytime performance. French matin derives from Latin matutinum, “the morning,” while related forms include English matins and Italian mattina, both of which share the same Latin source.
Related word forms
How matinee is actually used
The word is especially common in announcements and reviews of plays, concerts, films, and other daytime events. It can carry a slightly old-fashioned or formal tone, although it remains common in everyday entertainment contexts.