amphitheater

play

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

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
2a : a very large auditoriumb : a room with a gallery from which doctors and students may observe surgical operationsc : a rising gallery in a modern theaterd : a flat or gently sloping area surrounded by abrupt slopes
3 : a place of public entertainment (as for games or concerts)

amphitheatric

play \ˌam(p)-fə-thē-ˈa-trik also ˌam-pə-thē-\ or

amphitheatrical

play \-tri-kəl\ adjective

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

In April, there was discussion that Joe Davis Stadium might allow for two amphitheaters - a larger one that would be the biggest music venue in north Alabama as well as a smaller one for a more intimate setting.

— lucy berry, AL.com, "Could Town Madison be home to a minor league baseball park?," 18 July 2017
The 4th of July Blast gives attendees the chance to watch fireworks over the lake from the lawn of the amphitheater after enjoying live music and more.

— AL.com, "Fireworks, food and more: Fourth of July events happening across the state," 29 June 2017
What distinguishes the Ford from almost every major outdoor amphitheater — the Bowl, Tanglewood, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center — is the absence of a shell.

— adam nagourney, New York Times, "A Battle of the Bowls in Hollywood?," 29 June 2017
Fort Thomas will end Independence Day celebrations with an 8 p.m. concert at the amphitheater near the new Charters of Freedom monument.

— chris mayhew, Cincinnati.com, "Fort Thomas plaza salutes veterans, founding fathers," 23 June 2017
Friends had spoken, as candles glowed in the amphitheater around them, about his brilliance, his adventurousness, his boundless joy, his faith in connection.

— susan svrluga, chicagotribune.com, "'Let's bring it in': Otto Warmbier's family and friends celebrate his life at memorial," 22 June 2017
More than just a party island, Obonjan plays host to Shakespeare plays performed in a stone amphitheater, paddle board yoga, and healing sessions with shamanic practitioners.

— alex hawgood, Condé Nast Traveler, "The Best Under-the-Radar Summer Festivals Around the World," 22 June 2017
In the evening, rain didn't deter thousands of people from showing up at a remembrance in downtown Orlando in front of an amphitheater that was painted in gay-pride rainbow colors after the massacre.

— Bloomberg.com, "Half-Staff Flags, Bells Mark 1 Year Since Orlando Massacre," 12 June 2017
On a recent evening, Buck Johnson is in his 15th floor corner hotel room in Berlin, before an Aerosmith show at Waldbuhne amphitheater.

— matt wake, AL.com, "Aerosmith's secret weapon: Alabama native on tour with rock legends," 9 June 2017

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

See Words from the same year

Other Performing Arts Terms

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

AMPHITHEATER Defined for English Language Learners

amphitheater

play

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