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

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)

—

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

Jim Todd, a director at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, told a crowd of thousands at an amphitheater in Salem, Oregon, as the moon took an ever-bigger bite out of the sun.

— marcia dunn, chicagotribune.com, "Historic eclipse turns day into night across the U.S.," 21 Aug. 2017
The winery has grown into one of Washington’s largest, even offering concerts in a river-front amphitheater that can hold 4,000.

— bill thorness, The Seattle Times, "Maryhill Museum invites you to tango nights in the Gorge," 16 Aug. 2017
Artists including Brad Paisley, Migos, Train, Smokey Robinson, and ZZ Top will perform at the town's new 8,000-capacity amphitheater during a five-day grand opening celebration.

— maria carter, Country Living, "This Small Southern Town Is Spending $100 Million to Keep People from Leaving," 11 Aug. 2017
Entrance to the pop-up can be accessed from L’Auberge’s front drive or the resort’s amphitheater.

— carolina gusman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Please sir, I want s'more. San Diego restaurants celebrate classic campfire treat," 9 Aug. 2017
In February, the film premiered for an audience of 1,000 at the outdoor amphitheater near the temple complex of Angkor Wat.

— jessica diehl, HWD, "Angelina Jolie Solo," 26 July 2017
In February, the film premiered for an audience of 1,000 at the outdoor amphitheater near the temple complex of Angkor Wat.

— evgenia peretz, vanityfair.com, "Angelina Jolie Solo," 26 July 2017
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

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

amphitheater Synonyms

Synonyms

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

Related Words

arena theater, music hall, odeum, playhouse, theater-in-the-round; ballroom; lyceum; chamber, house, senate; cafetorium

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