Definition of 'amphitheater'

amphitheater

(æmfiθɪətər )

Word forms: amphitheatersregional note: in BRIT, use amphitheatre

countable noun

An amphitheater is a large open area surrounded by rows of seats sloping upward. Amphitheaters were built mainly in Greek and Roman times for the performance of plays.

amphitheater in American

(ˈæmfəˌθiətər ; amˈfət hēˌətər) or ˈamphiˌtheatre (ˈæmfəˌθiətər ; amˈfət hēˌətər)

noun

a round or oval building with an open space (arena) surrounded by rising rows of seats

a scene of conflict, competition, etc.; arena

a sloping gallery in a theater

a lecture hall with a sloping gallery, esp. one for observing surgical procedures in a medical school or hospital

a level place surrounded by rising ground

Derived forms

amphitheatric (ˌamphitheˈatric) (ˌæmfəθiˈætrɪk ; amˌfət hēaˈtrik)

adjective or ˌamphitheˈatrical

Word origin of 'amphitheater'

L amphitheatrum < Gr amphitheatron: see amphi- & theater

Example sentences containing 'amphitheater'

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In puzzlement she watched as Vandune passed through a niche in the amphitheater wall and disappeared into an alcove. Robert Silverberg MAJIPOOR CHRONICLES (1982)