amphitheater

noun

am·​phi·​the·​ater ˈam(p)-fə-ˌthē(-ə)-tər How to pronounce amphitheater (audio)
 also  ˈam-pə-ˌthē-
1
: an oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats ranged about an open space and used in ancient Rome especially for contests and spectacles
2
a
: a very large auditorium
b
: a room with a gallery from which doctors and students may observe surgical operations
c
: a rising gallery in a modern theater
d
: a flat or gently sloping area surrounded by abrupt slopes
3
: a place of public entertainment (as for games or concerts)
amphitheatric
ˌam(p)-fə-thē-ˈa-trik How to pronounce amphitheater (audio)
 also  ˌam-pə-thē-
adjective
or amphitheatrical
ˌam(p)-fə-thē-ˈa-tri-kəl How to pronounce amphitheater (audio)
 also  ˌam-pə-thē-
amphitheatrically
ˌam(p)-fə-thē-ˈa-tri-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce amphitheater (audio)
 also  ˌam-pə-thē-
adverb

Examples of amphitheater in a Sentence

the conference attendees crowded into the amphitheater for the keynote address
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Otis Redding Center for the Arts is a state-of-the-art, 15,000 square-foot facility housing seven creative labs, five private lesson rooms, an amphitheater and the O3 Recording Studio. Gail Mitchell, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2025 That massive, ancient, slightly crumbling but still standing amphitheater in Rome? Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2025 History lovers can explore the ancient Roman amphitheater in Arles or the stunning Palais des Papes in Avignon. Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 26 Feb. 2025 Mizner Park is home to 30 acres of Mediterranean Revival architecture, including high-end shops, restaurants, ice cream parlors, and a 4,200-seat amphitheater. Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amphitheater

Word History

Etymology

Middle English amphitheatre, borrowed from Latin amphitheātrum, borrowed from Greek amphithéātron, noun derivative from neuter of amphithéātros "(of a stadium) having seats for spectators all around," from amphi- amphi- + -theātros, derivative of théātron "place for viewing a drama, theater entry 1"

Note: The term is also used in isolated, partially naturalized Old English attestations, as anfiteatrum and anfiteatra.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of amphitheater was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Amphitheater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphitheater. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

amphitheater

noun
am·​phi·​the·​a·​ter
ˈam(p)-fə-ˌthē-ət-ər
1
: a building with seats rising in curved rows around an open space on which games and plays take place
2
: something (as a piece of level ground surrounded by hills) that resembles an amphitheater

More from Merriam-Webster on amphitheater

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