amphitheater

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

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

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

Fest officials announced 150 headliners last week, and previously announced the 11 shows taking place at the amphitheater.

— piet levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Summerfest's Miller Lite Oasis headliners include Marshmello, Kesha, Alesso, 17 other acts," 12 Apr. 2018
Lawn tickets to a summer concert at your local amphitheater.

— Southern Living, "The Royal Collection Is Selling a Look-alike Meghan Markle Engagement Ring for Under $50," 11 Apr. 2018
That fund has helped pay for seats at the amphitheater at Lake Eola, police horses, police dogs and donated nearly $500,000 to the city.

— marco santana, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Fiesta in the Park a chance for artists, craftspeople to grow," 7 Apr. 2018
Summer music: Fishers free concert lineup at rebuilt amphitheater revealed The Asherwood estate: Will $30M estate pay off for Carmel?

— andrew clark, Indianapolis Star, "The Old Spaghetti Factory to open second Indiana restaurant in Carmel," 3 Apr. 2018
Register at the amphitheater the day of the event or register at mybrotherrocksdelray.com Drop-In Craft.

— Sun-Sentinel.com, "events by county," 28 Mar. 2018
The amphitheater will open at 6:30 p.m. each night for families who want to picnic before the show.

— matt campbell, kansascity, "Dorothy returning to Kansas with new 'Oz' stage show, movie scenes at amphitheater | The Kansas City Star," 16 Mar. 2018
Also at the amphitheater, tickets went on sale March 23 for American rock band Gov't Mule with the Avett Brothers Aug. 24.

— vickie snow jurkowski, Daily Southtown, "Everclear, Dokken with Lita Ford, Chris Brown and I Love the 90s tour headed to Southland," 29 Mar. 2018
The Margate Community Redevelopment Agency owns the 36 acres off State Road 7 that could have become a downtown of shops, restaurants, housing, a boat launch and amphitheater.

— lisa j. huriash, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Developers sue over rejected plan to build new Margate downtown," 20 Mar. 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