theatre

American  

[thee-uh-ter, theeuh-] / ˈθi ə tər, ˈθiə- /

noun

1. a variant of theater.

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theatre British  

/ 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 called: operating 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 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

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Etymology

Origin of theatre

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

Example Sentences

The spokesperson added ACE organises its funding under nine main classifiers, including dance, libraries, museums, music and theatre.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

The launch comes as the planetarium unveiled plans for the UK and Ireland's first wraparound and completely immersive LED dome theatre.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

"It was a very small theatre, and when dad heard her laugh, he was like, 'There's sunshine coming out of the crowd'. He knew right then, 'This is my wife'."

From BBC • Mar. 28, 2026

Russell Kane is due to make his theatre debut in a "striking new take" on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet later this year.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

All I had to do was tuck it under my arm and turn and walk out of the theatre.

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood

Related Words

• theater
• troupe