theater

¹the·ater

noun \ˈthē-ə-tər, ˈthēə-, oftenest in Southern ˈthē-ˌā- also thē-ˈā-\

Definition of THEATER

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

Variants of THEATER

the·ater or the·atre \ˈthē-ə-tər, ˈthēə-, oftenest in Southern ˈthē-ˌā- also thē-ˈā-\

Examples of THEATER

1. the oldest theater in the city
2. the theater district in New York City
3. The film is now showing in theaters.
4. We enjoyed a weekend of music, dance, and theater.
5. He was very fond of the theater and had purchased tickets for several performances.
6. Her interests include theater and poetry.
7. the theater of 16th-century England
8. She majored in theater in college.
9. a course in American theater
10. His monologues made for good theater.

Origin of THEATER

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to THEATER

Synonyms

cinema, playhouse

Related Words

nickelodeon; megaplex, multiplex, plex (or 'plex); art house, art theater, cinematheque; fleapit [British], grind house; drive-in

Other Performing Arts Terms

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

²theater

adjective

Definition of THEATER

: of, relating to, or appropriate for use in a theater of operations <theater nuclear weapons>

First Known Use of THEATER

1977

Rhymes with THEATER

aerator, castrator, collator, Chubb Crater, Bay Stater, creator, curator, debater, deflator, dictator, dilator, donator, downstater, dumbwaiter, equator, first-rater, glossator, headwaiter, ice-skater, levator, locator, mandator, migrator, narrator, pond skater, pronator, pulsator, red-baiter, relater, spectator, speed skater, tailgater, testator, third-rater, titrator, translator, upstater, vibrator

the·ater

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of THEATER

1

: a room often with rising tiers of seats for assemblies (as for lectures or surgical demonstrations)

2

usually theatre, British : a hospital operating room

Variants of THEATER

the·ater or the·atre \ˈthē-ət-ər\ (audio pronunciation)