Meaning & use

Amphitheater

noun·Everyday

Last updated

A round or oval building with tiers of seats surrounding a central open area, used for sports events, plays, or other performances.

See it in a sentence

Thousands of spectators filled the ancient amphitheater to watch the gladiatorial games.

The university built an outdoor amphitheater for graduation ceremonies and summer concerts.

A note on using this word

The word comes from the Greek 'amphitheatron,' meaning 'theater on both sides,' referring to structures with seating that encircled the performance space rather than facing it from one side, as a standard theater does.

Words with a similar meaning

arenacoliseumstadium

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Another way to use it

2. noun

A sloped, semicircular outdoor space used for open-air gatherings, such as a natural or landscaped venue.

The band played a free concert in the park's grassy amphitheater.

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