lincoln center: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-medium (common in cultural and New York contexts)Formal, cultural, journalistic
Quick answer
What does “lincoln center” mean?
A major performing arts complex located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major performing arts complex located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City.
A cultural landmark and hub for dance, theater, music, and opera, comprising multiple venues including the Metropolitan Opera House, David H. Koch Theater, and Avery Fisher Hall. The name can also refer metonymically to high culture, prestige arts, or classical performance in New York.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, it is understood as a specific American cultural institution. The term 'centre' (UK spelling) is not applied to this proper name, which retains its American spelling 'Center'.
Connotations
In US usage, it connotes elite, highbrow performing arts. In UK usage, it may be seen as analogous to the Barbican Centre or Southbank Centre but with specifically American prestige.
Frequency
Far more frequent in American English, particularly in New York and cultural discourse. In British English, it appears mainly in arts journalism or travel contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “lincoln center” in a Sentence
[SUBJECT] perform/premiere at [Lincoln Center][SUBJECT] attend a show/concert at [Lincoln Center]The [EVENT] is held at [Lincoln Center]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lincoln center” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Lincoln Centre production was well-reviewed. (UK article, but name remains 'Center')
American English
- She has Lincoln Center season tickets.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in tourism, hospitality, or event planning (e.g., 'Corporate sponsorship of Lincoln Center').
Academic
Used in cultural studies, musicology, urban studies (e.g., 'Lincoln Center as a model of urban cultural planning').
Everyday
Used when discussing plans, cultural outings, or New York landmarks (e.g., 'We got tickets for a show at Lincoln Center.').
Technical
Used in performing arts production, acoustics, or venue management.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “lincoln center”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “lincoln center”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lincoln center”
- Incorrect: 'We went to Lincoln centre.' (UK spelling not used for the proper noun).
- Incorrect: 'He works in Lincoln Center.' (Better: 'He works at Lincoln Center.').
- Incorrect: Using lowercase ('lincoln center').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is always 'Lincoln Center' with American spelling, as it is a proper noun naming a specific place in New York.
Yes, it is most common and natural to say 'at the Lincoln Center' or 'the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.' However, in some formal titles or signage, 'the' may be omitted.
Lincoln Center is a multi-venue performing arts complex housing several resident organizations (like the Met Opera). Carnegie Hall is a single, legendary concert hall located in Midtown Manhattan.
Often, yes, metonymically. Someone might say 'I'm going to Lincoln Center' meaning they are going to a performance at the Metropolitan Opera House, which is part of the complex.
A major performing arts complex located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City.
Lincoln center is usually formal, cultural, journalistic in register.
Lincoln center: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪŋkən ˈsɛntə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪŋkən ˈsɛntər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The Lincoln Center of [something]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of President Lincoln as a tall, stately figure; Lincoln Center is the tall, stately home for the performing arts in New York.
Conceptual Metaphor
CULTURAL CITADEL (a fortress or elevated place of high art).
Practice
Quiz
What is Lincoln Center primarily known for?