music-hall
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of theater or venue: "music-hall" refers to a theater or hall where musical performances, variety shows, and often comedic acts are presented. It is particularly associated with British popular entertainment from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
- A form of entertainment: "music-hall" also denotes the genre of variety entertainment itself, including songs, sketches, and dance numbers performed in such venues.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- We attended a lively show at the old music-hall in town. (A venue for variety performances.)
- The music-hall was famous for its comedic skits and catchy tunes. (The genre of entertainment offered there.)
Advanced Usage
"music-hall song": a type of song specifically written for or performed in a music-hall setting.
- She sang a popular music-hall song from the 1890s. (A song associated with variety theater.)
"music-hall star": a performer who became famous through music-hall appearances.
- Charlie Chaplin began his career as a music-hall star before moving to film. (A performer in variety entertainment.)
Variants and Related Words
Music hall (n): a common alternative spelling without a hyphen, referring to the same venue or genre.
- The music hall hosted a different show every week. (The same type of theater.)
Music-hallism (n): a characteristic style or element of music-hall entertainment, such as a particular comedic technique.
- The comedian's exaggerated gestures were a clear music-hallism. (A feature typical of music-hall.)
Synonyms
- Variety theater: a venue for diverse performances including music, comedy, and drama.
- Vaudeville (chiefly US): a similar form of variety entertainment popular in the United States.
Related Idioms
- "It's like a music-hall": a phrase used to describe a situation that is chaotic, humorous, or full of variety, similar to the entertainment of a music-hall.
- The family reunion was like a music-hall, with everyone telling jokes and singing. (A lively, entertaining situation.)