arena

[ uh-ree-nuh ]

noun

1. the oval space in the center of a Roman amphitheater for gladiatorial combats or other performances.
2. a central stage, ring, area, or the like, used for sports or other forms of entertainment, surrounded by seats for spectators:

   a boxing arena; a circus arena.

3. a building housing an arena.
4. a field of conflict, activity, or endeavor:

   the arena of politics.

arena

/ əˈriːnə /

noun

1. 1. an enclosure or platform, usually surrounded by seats on all sides, in which sports events, contests, entertainments, etc, take place

      a boxing arena

   2. ( as modifier )

      arena stage

2. the central area of an ancient Roman amphitheatre, in which gladiatorial contests and other spectacles were held
3. a sphere or scene of conflict or intense activity

   the political arena

Word History and Origins

Origin of arena¹

1620–30; < Latin ( h ) arēna sand, sandy place, area sanded for combat

Word History and Origins

Origin of arena¹

C17: from Latin harēna sand, place where sand was strewn for the combats

Related Words

• field
• gym
• gymnasium
• park
• ring
• rink
• square
• stadium
• stage