nickelodeon

noun

nick·​el·​ode·​on ˌni-kə-ˈlō-dē-ən 

1

: an early movie theater to which admission usually cost five cents

2

: jukebox

Examples of nickelodeon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In it, the authors not only explain the rise of the studio system, trace the emergence of sound and color, and explore the evolution of film exhibition from cramped nickelodeons to imposing movie palaces. —Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 8 Apr. 2024

As nickelodeons popped up in nearly every town, demand for films skyrocketed, and audiences were eager for new content. —Chris Yogerst, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Apr. 2023

From its earliest days, the studio built by four brothers (Harry, Sam, Albert and Jack) who ran nickelodeons and silent movie theaters in Pennsylvania and Ohio has had a distinct profile to its storytelling and an ethos on how to wield its influence. —Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 6 Apr. 2023

In rural areas and smaller cities, nickelodeons and storefront theaters took off. —Chris Yogerst, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Apr. 2023

Word History

Etymology

probably from nickel + -odeon (as in melodeon music hall)

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

nickelodeon

noun

nick·​el·​ode·​on ˌnik-ə-ˈlōd-ē-ən 

1

: an early movie theater charging five cents for admission

2

: jukebox