Matinee Idol

Pronunciation: /ˌmætɪˈneɪ aɪdəl/

Definitions of matinee idol

noun a male actor who is especially popular as a romantic or heroic leading man in movies shown in the afternoon or early evening

Example Sentences

A1 My grandmother used to swoon over the matinee idol in old black-and-white films.

A2 The young actress dreamed of becoming a matinee idol and starring in romantic movies.

B1 The matinee idol's popularity soared after his latest blockbuster hit the theaters.

B2 Fans lined up for hours to catch a glimpse of the matinee idol at the movie premiere.

C1 The matinee idol's charisma and charm on screen captivated audiences worldwide.

C2 Despite his success as a matinee idol, the actor struggled with the pressures of fame and fortune.

Examples of matinee idol in a Sentence

formal The matinee idol received critical acclaim for his performance in the latest Shakespearean play.

informal The matinee idol is so dreamy, all the girls have a crush on him.

slang That matinee idol is a total heartthrob, I can't get enough of him.

figurative In the world of politics, he was seen as the matinee idol of the party, always charming and charismatic on stage.

Grammatical Forms of matinee idol

• past tense: was a matinee idol
• plural: matinee idols
• comparative: more of a matinee idol
• superlative: most of a matinee idol
• present tense: is a matinee idol
• future tense: will be a matinee idol
• perfect tense: has been a matinee idol
• continuous tense: is being a matinee idol
• singular: matinee idol
• positive degree: a true matinee idol
• infinitive: to be a matinee idol
• gerund: being a matinee idol
• participle: a matinee idol in the making

Origin and Evolution of matinee idol

First Known Use: 1874 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'matinee idol' originated in the late 19th century in reference to the actors who were popular and admired for their performances in matinee shows.

Evolution of the word: Originally, 'matinee idol' referred specifically to male actors who were heartthrobs and drew large female audiences to matinee performances. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass any actor, male or female, who is idolized for their on-screen presence and charisma.