matinee idol

noun

: a handsome male performer

Examples of matinee idol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the big screen take of Clayface, Hagen is a matinee idol on the rise, but his face gets slashed by thugs. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 23 July 2026 And that’s from an acclaimed Oscar nominee who has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past few years despite not looking like a matinee idol. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026 Matter—slim, dark-haired, attired in a dark blue zip-up sweater and matinee idol handsome—is a natural entertainer who savored every moment holding a mic. — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026 For the role of Hollywood matinee idol Ronnie Reed, the object of Frank's obsession, Gyllenhaal always wanted to ask her brother Jake to dust off his singing and dancing skills. — Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for matinee idol

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of matinee idol was in 1897

Rhymes for matinee idol

See All Rhymes for matinee idol

Browse Nearby Words

matinee
matinee idol
matiness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Matinee idol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/matinee%20idol. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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