amphitheater

or am·phi·the·a·tre

[ am-fuh-thee-uh-ter, -theeuh-ter, am-puh- ]

noun

1. an open-air, oval or round building with tiers of seats around a central open area, as those used in ancient Rome for gladiatorial contests.
2. any similar indoor or outdoor place for public contests, games, performances, exhibitions, etc.; an arena, stadium, or auditorium.
3. a room having tiers of seats arranged around a central area, in which students and other observers can view surgery, hear lectures, etc.
4. British.
   1. the first section of seats in the gallery of a theater.
   2. a designated section of seats in any part of a theater.
5. a level area of oval or circular shape surrounded by rising ground.

Other Words From

• am·phi·the·at·ric [am-f, uh, -thee-, a, -trik], am·phi·the·at·ri·cal adjective
• am·phi·the·at·ri·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphitheater¹

First recorded in 1540–50; from Latin amphitheātrum, from Greek amphithéātron; amphi-, theater

Example Sentences

Future phases are expected to include a hotel and a 6,200-seat amphitheater now undergoing an environmental review.

From Los Angeles Times

When Captain von Trapp sang “Edelweiss” to his children, the whole amphitheater joined their voices together, flooding the Hollywood Hills with a surprisingly heartwarming sound of music.

From Los Angeles Times

In the U.S., the former has also opened high-profile amphitheater tours for groups like Smashing Pumpkins and Garbage in recent years with the High Flying Birds.

From Salon

The closing ceremony will be held at Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater in Verona.

From Salon

The bucolic beauty of this beloved outdoor amphitheater in Topanga distracted me from the agreeable, lighthearted update of Moliere’s classic.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• auditorium