1
: an area in a Roman amphitheater for gladiatorial combats
2
a
: an enclosed area used for public entertainment
b
: a building containing an arena
3
a
: a sphere of interest, activity, or competition
the political arena
b
: a place or situation for controversy
in the public arena
Synonyms
Examples of arena in a Sentence
Congress became an arena of opposing views.
the toughest political arena in the world
The economic arena has been dominated by that country.
Recent Examples on the Web
The 2028 Games were to be the first in history in which the host city would not have to build any new venues due to the number of stadiums and arenas in the city.
—
Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 15 Jan. 2025
The schools mostly reinvest in athletics, from scholarships for athletes in all sports to coaching salaries, training facilities, stadiums, ballparks and arenas.
—Teresa M. Walker, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025
With none of the region’s stadiums or arenas damaged so far, event organizers and government leaders have expressed confidence about pushing ahead.
—David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
While away from the island on his arena tour that grossed over $200 million, Bad Bunny listened to old-school Puerto Rican music and was motivated to integrate it into his new work upon returning home.
—Lola Mendez, Architectural Digest, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for arena 
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Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 15 Jan. 2025
The schools mostly reinvest in athletics, from scholarships for athletes in all sports to coaching salaries, training facilities, stadiums, ballparks and arenas.
—Teresa M. Walker, Chicago Tribune, 15 Jan. 2025
With none of the region’s stadiums or arenas damaged so far, event organizers and government leaders have expressed confidence about pushing ahead.
—David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 15 Jan. 2025
While away from the island on his arena tour that grossed over $200 million, Bad Bunny listened to old-school Puerto Rican music and was motivated to integrate it into his new work upon returning home.
—Lola Mendez, Architectural Digest, 15 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for arena
Dictionary Entries Near arena
Cite this Entry
“Arena.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arena. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
arena
noun
are·na
ə-ˈrē-nə 
1
: an enclosed area used for public entertainment
2
: a building containing an arena
3
: a field of activity
the political arena
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