amphitheater

noun am·phi·the·ater \ ˈam(p)-fə-ˌthē(-ə)-tər also ˈam-pə-ˌthē- \

|Updated on: 9 Jun 2018

Examples: amphitheater in a Sentence

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)

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amphitheatric

play \ˌam(p)-fə-thē-ˈa-trik also ˌam-pə-thē-\ or amphitheatrical play \-tri-kəl\ adjective

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amphitheatrically

play \-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

See amphitheater defined for English-language learners

See amphitheater defined for kids

Examples of amphitheater in a Sentence

the conference attendees crowded into the amphitheater for the keynote address

Recent Examples of amphitheater from the Web

On Monday and Tuesday, hundreds of scientists, industry folk, and public health officials from all over the world filled the amphitheater at the Boston World Trade Center to reckon with the power of biology’s favorite new DNA-tinkering tool: Crispr.

— megan molteni, WIRED, "Crispr Fans Fight for Egalitarian Access to Gene Editing," 6 June 2018
The Peninsula Hot Springs near Melbourne, Australia, is adding seven new mineral pools that face an amphitheater, allowing patrons to soak while taking in a concert.

— elaine glusac, New York Times, "Your Next Trip Might Change Your Life," 1 June 2018
Ready-to-rage bros and the occasional stroller-pushing couple (respect the commitment) commingled among the mostly twentysomething indie kids who occupied the amphitheater for the three-day concert.

— michael rietmulder, The Seattle Times, "Sasquatch! Music Festival 2018 recap: Artists of all ages made beloved fest feel vital," 28 May 2018
In the two decades that followed, the group hit the region's big arenas and amphitheaters.

— brian mccollum, Detroit Free Press, "Nine Inch Nails plots two Fox Theatre shows — with ticketing twist," 10 May 2018
The team conceived of a plaza outside the building as a space paved in the same quilt pattern as the building itself, with features including an infinity pool and staircase that would double as an outdoor amphitheater.

— steven litt, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Public Library unveils 3 competing proposals for new MLK Library in University Circle (photos)," 10 May 2018
Wavy Gravy’s Camp Winnarainbow scholarship benefit is on Saturday, May 12, at the amphitheater in Danny Scher’s Berkeley backyard.

— leah garchik, San Francisco Chronicle, "On Castro Street, a ‘showy canopy’ falls down on the job," 8 May 2018
An open-air amphitheater with a moat in front of it.

— ed masley, azcentral, "Peter Hook reflects on Joy Division, New Order, the 'Substance Tour,' the life of Ian Curtis and more," 2 May 2018
It’s full of easter eggs like a roman sarcophagi, an amphitheater, a water garden, and the ground’s Parterre—a meticulously manicured lawn laid out in 1855.

— elise taylor, Vogue, "Exploring Cliveden House, the Royal Estate Where Queen Victoria Spent Her Weekends (and You Can Too)," 27 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'amphitheater.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of amphitheater

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

amphitheater Synonyms

Synonyms

arena, auditorium, garden, hall, theater (or theatre);

ballroom;

lyceum;

chamber, house, senate;

Other Performing Arts Terms

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

AMPHITHEATER Defined for English Language Learners

amphitheater

noun

Definition of amphitheater for English Language Learners

: a large building with seats rising in curved rows around an open space on which games and plays take place
: an area of level ground surrounded by hills