Main Entry: ¹the·at·ri·cal

Pronunciation: \thē-ˈa-tri-kəl\

Variant(s): also the·at·ric \-trik\

Function: adjective

Date: 1558

1 : of or relating to the theater or the presentation of plays <a theatrical costume>
2 : marked by pretense or artificiality of emotion
3 a : histrionic <a theatrical gesture> b : marked by extravagant display or exhibitionism

synonyms see dramatic

— the·at·ri·cal·ism \-kə-ˌli-zəm\ noun

— the·at·ri·cal·i·ty \-ˌa-trə-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun

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