theater

noun

the·ater | \ ˈthē-ə-tər

, ˈthēə-, usually in Southern ˈthē-ˌā- also thē-ˈā-

variants: or theatre

Definition of theater

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a building or area for dramatic performances

b : a building or area for showing motion pictures

c : an outdoor structure for dramatic performances or spectacles in ancient Greece and Rome

2a : dramatic literature : plays

b : dramatic representation as an art or profession : drama

3 : a place or sphere of enactment of usually significant events or action the theater of public life

4a : a place rising by steps or gradations a woody theater of stateliest view— John Milton

b : a room often with rising tiers of seats for assemblies (as for lectures or surgical demonstrations)

5a : dramatic or theatrical quality or effectiveness

b : spectacle sense 1a

c : entertainment in the form of a dramatic or diverting situation or series of events their public feud made for good theater

6 : theater of operations

theater

adjective

Definition of theater (Entry 2 of 2)

: of, relating to, or appropriate for use in a theater of operations theater nuclear weapons

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about theater

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Examples of theater in a Sentence

Noun

the oldest theater in the city the theater district in New York City The film is now showing in theaters. We enjoyed a weekend of music, dance, and theater. He was very fond of the theater and had purchased tickets for several performances. Her interests include theater and poetry. the theater of 16th-century England She majored in theater in college. a course in American theater His monologues made for good theater.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

From purple and blue wigs to her iconic purple jumpsuit made to cover only one boob, every red carpet appearance was pure theater and every music video an opportunity for the fashion to really come alive. — Scarlett Newman, Teen Vogue, "A Deep Dive Into Black Culture and Camp," 3 May 2019 There are hundreds of businesses here, including modern multi-level shopping malls, historic shops, theaters, and hotels. — Adrienne Faurote, Marie Claire, "The Instagram Guide to Shanghai, China," 5 Apr. 2019 The roadwork also revealed several other tombs nearby, as well as an ancient theater and a row of columns. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "Ancient “comic strip” depicts the founding of a Roman city," 10 Oct. 2018 Check out some more reactions to the movie and trailer for yourself, below: Booksmart hits theaters May 24, 2019. — Christopher Rosa, Glamour, "Olivia Wilde’s New Movie Looks Like the Female Superbad—and People Are Thrilled," 11 Mar. 2019 In the event, the movie moguls lost and were forced to sell their theaters. — Tom Nolan, WSJ, "‘Hollywood Godfather’ Review: Shaking Down Tinseltown," 27 Dec. 2018 The greatness of America happening right in front of our eyes at our local movie theaters. — Emma Sarran Webster, Teen Vogue, ""Crazy Rich Asians" Topped the Box Office with a $25.2 Million Opening Weekend," 19 Aug. 2018 In her small Sumner theater, El Teatro Osminog Blanco, 16 garments in various states of decay or fragmentation are suspended from the ceiling by string and clothespins. — Alan Berner, The Seattle Times, "This isn’t for everyone: Sumner dancer tries to ‘wake up senses’ with strange art of butoh," 17 July 2018 Management is also rebuilding its Hard Rock Live theater to increase seating to accommodate 7,000 patrons. — David Lyons, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood tops off guitar-shaped hotel," 9 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'theater.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.