amphitheater

am·phi·the·ater

noun
\ˈam(p)-fə-ˌthē(-ə)-tər also ˈam-pə-ˌthē-\

Definition of AMPHITHEATER

1

: an oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats ranged about an open space and used in ancient Rome especially for contests and spectacles

2

a : a very large auditorium b : a room with a gallery from which doctors and students may observe surgical operations c : a rising gallery in a modern theater d : a flat or gently sloping area surrounded by abrupt slopes

3

: a place of public entertainment (as for games or concerts)

— am·phi·the·at·ric \ˌam(p)-fə-thē-ˈa-trik also ˌam-pə-thē-\ or am·phi·the·at·ri·cal \-tri-kəl\ adjective

— am·phi·the·at·ri·cal·ly \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of AMPHITHEATER

1. <the conference attendees crowded into the amphitheater for the keynote address>

Origin of AMPHITHEATER

Latin amphitheatrum, from Greek amphitheatron, from amphi- + theatron theater

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to AMPHITHEATER

Synonyms: hall, arena, auditorium, garden, theater (or theatre)

Related Words: arena theater, music hall, odeum, playhouse, theater-in-the-round; ballroom; lyceum; chamber, house, senate; cafetorium

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Other Performing Arts Terms

diva, dramaturgy, loge, prestidigitation, proscenium, supernumerary, zany