1
: an area in a Roman amphitheater for gladiatorial combats
2
a
: an enclosed area used for public entertainment
b
: a building containing an arena
3
a
: a sphere of interest, activity, or competition
the political arena
b
: a place or situation for controversy
in the public arena
Examples of arena in a Sentence
Congress became an arena of opposing views.
the toughest political arena in the world
The economic arena has been dominated by that country.
Recent Examples on the Web
UConn’s Dan Hurley would have to be in the conversation, but only if the arena insurance policy covered sideline meltdowns and referee litigation.
—
Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Playing in the Salt Lake City arena where Michael Jordan iced his final NBA championship, Northwestern guard Bryant McIntosh scored a game-high 25 points, nailing 10 of 16 from the field and two game-winning free throws.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
But what happened outside the practice facility made the arena plan feel small.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
The city has been working for years to redevelop the mall and says a new sports arena would be a big economic boost.
—James Taylor, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arena
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Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Playing in the Salt Lake City arena where Michael Jordan iced his final NBA championship, Northwestern guard Bryant McIntosh scored a game-high 25 points, nailing 10 of 16 from the field and two game-winning free throws.
—Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
But what happened outside the practice facility made the arena plan feel small.
—Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
The city has been working for years to redevelop the mall and says a new sports arena would be a big economic boost.
—James Taylor, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for arena
Cite this Entry
“Arena.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arena. Accessed 17 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
arena
noun
are·na
ə-ˈrē-nə 
1
: an enclosed area used for public entertainment
2
: a building containing an arena
3
: a field of activity
the political arena
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