theatre

[ thee-uh-ter, theeuh- ]

noun

1. a variant of theater.

theatre

/ ˈθɪətə /

noun

1. 1. a building designed for the performance of plays, operas, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      a theatre ticket

   3. ( in combination )

      a theatregoer

2. a large room or hall, usually with a raised platform and tiered seats for an audience, used for lectures, film shows, etc
3. Also calledoperating theatre a room in a hospital or other medical centre equipped for surgical operations
4. plays regarded collectively as a form of art
5. the theatre
   the world of actors, theatrical companies, etc

   the glamour of the theatre

6. a setting for dramatic or important events
7. writing that is suitable for dramatic presentation

   a good piece of theatre

8. the usual word for cinema
9. a major area of military activity

   the theatre of operations

10. a circular or semicircular open-air building with tiers of seats

Word History and Origins

Origin of theatre¹

C14: from Latin theātrum, from Greek theatron place for viewing, from theasthai to look at; related to Greek thauma miracle

Related Words

• theater
• troupe