coliseum

noun

col·​i·​se·​um ˌkä-lə-ˈsē-əm 

1

capitalized : colosseum sense 1

2

: a large sports stadium or building designed like the Colosseum for public entertainments

Synonyms

• stadium

Examples of coliseum in a Sentence

the local coliseum is a standard stop for rock bands on tour

Recent Examples on the Web

Despite the loss, Friday night was a lot of fun inside the coliseum. —Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025

Designed as a coastal oasis, its coliseum pool features a backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, with scenic views of the luscious Pelican Hill Golf Club. —Dahvi Shira, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025

Situated directly below the Main Stand, players can hear everything happening above, like gladiators waiting to enter the coliseum. —Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 15 May 2025

Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news Tales of gladiators going head-to-head with ferocious lions in ancient Rome’s coliseum are legendary. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin Colosseum, Colisseum

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for coliseum

• athenaeum
• colosseum
• mausoleum
• mycelium
• corneum
• hordeum
• luteum
• lyceum
• museum
• endothelium
• periosteum
• peritoneum

Kids Definition

coliseum

noun

col·​i·​se·​um ˌkäl-ə-ˈsē-əm 

: a large structure (as a stadium) for athletic contests or public entertainment

Etymology

from the Latin spelling used in the Middle Ages for the Colosseum, a great outdoor arena in ancient Rome