arena

noun

are·​na ə-ˈrē-nə How to pronounce arena (audio)
Synonyms of arenanext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shah Alam was found dead Tuesday night near the downtown sports arena where the NHL's Buffalo Sabres play. Arkansas Online, 27 Feb. 2026 The Stars' arena search is unfolding at the same time the Dallas Mavericks pursue plans for a new home of their own, signaling that the two longtime co‑tenants may eventually separate. Doug Myers, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026 The Bullets returned from Seattle to much fanfare, but the championship news conference was held in their empty arena. Brad Townsend, Dallas Morning News, 26 Feb. 2026 The 17,600-seat Sphere doubles as a movie theater and concert arena and features a 160,000-square-foot, curved LED screen that immerses viewers in the show. Roger Kisby, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arena

Word History

Etymology

Latin harena, arena sand, sandy place

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of arena was in 1600

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Arena.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arena. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

arena

noun
are·​na ə-ˈrē-nə How to pronounce arena (audio)
1
: an enclosed area used for public entertainment
2
: a building containing an arena
3
: a field of activity
the political arena

More from Merriam-Webster on arena

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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