Main Entry: ¹the·ater

Variant(s): or the·atre \ˈthē-ə-tər, ˈthēə-, oftenest in Southern ˈthē-ˌā- also thē-ˈā-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English theatre, from Middle French, from Latin theatrum, from Greek theatron, from theasthai to view, from thea act of seeing; akin to Greek thauma miracle

Date: 14th century

1 a : an outdoor structure for dramatic performances or spectacles in ancient Greece and Rome b : a building or area for dramatic performances c : a building or area for showing motion pictures
2 : a place or sphere of enactment of usually significant events or action <the theater of public life>
3 a : a place rising by steps or gradations <a woody theater of stateliest view — John Milton> b : a room often with rising tiers of seats for assemblies (as for lectures or surgical demonstrations)
4 a : dramatic literature : plays b : dramatic representation as an art or profession : drama
5 a : dramatic or theatrical quality or effectiveness b : spectacle 1a c : entertainment in the form of a dramatic or diverting situation or series of events <their public feud made for good theater>
6 : theater of operations