picture house: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1British English, dated, formal, sometimes nostalgic.
Quick answer
What does “picture house” mean?
An establishment, especially a building, where films are shown to the public for entertainment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An establishment, especially a building, where films are shown to the public for entertainment.
A dated or somewhat nostalgic term for a cinema or movie theater, often evoking the early-to-mid 20th century era of film exhibition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
"Picture house" is predominantly a British English term; the standard American equivalent is "movie theater". "Cinema" is common in both varieties but more prevalent in the UK.
Connotations
In UK English, it can evoke a sense of grandeur or nostalgia for a bygone era (e.g., old 'picture palaces'). In US English, it would sound like a direct, quaint translation.
Frequency
Extremely low in modern usage in both regions. 'Cinema' (UK) and 'movie theater' (US) are the standard modern terms.
Grammar
How to Use “picture house” in a Sentence
go to the [picture house]the [picture house] on [street name]a [picture house] that [clause]the [old/local] picture houseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “picture house” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old building was once picture-housed (very rare/archaic).
American English
- (No established verb use in American English).
adjective
British English
- A picture-house evening was a common treat in the 1930s.
American English
- (No established adjective use in American English).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in heritage or tourism contexts (e.g., 'restoring a historic picture house').
Academic
Used in historical or film studies contexts when discussing early film exhibition venues.
Everyday
Very rare in modern speech. An older person might use it nostalgically.
Technical
Not used in technical film or projection contexts. 'Cinema' or 'auditorium' are standard.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “picture house”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “picture house”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “picture house”
- Using it in a modern context sounds odd. (Incorrect: 'Let's meet at the new picture house.')
- Confusing it with 'movie house', which is more common in American historical usage.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a dated term. Modern British English uses 'cinema', and American English uses 'movie theater'.
A 'picture house' typically refers to a single-screen venue from the early-to-mid 20th century, often with architectural grandeur. A 'multiplex' is a modern cinema complex with many screens.
You would likely be understood, but it would sound distinctly British and old-fashioned. An American listener might find it quaint or unusual.
They are very similar. 'Picture palace' often implies a larger, more ornate, and luxurious cinema from the same era, while 'picture house' can refer to any cinema of that time, including simpler ones.
An establishment, especially a building, where films are shown to the public for entertainment.
Picture house is usually british english, dated, formal, sometimes nostalgic. in register.
Picture house: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɪktʃə ˌhaʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɪktʃɚ ˌhaʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A trip to the pictures/picture house.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HOUSE where moving PICTURES are shown.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENTERTAINMENT IS A CONTAINER (The 'house' contains the experience of watching pictures).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'picture house' be most appropriate today?