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.
We're not even done with 2024, but Summerfest officials have already announced about half of the festival shows for the amphitheater and BMO Pavilion in 2025. Need a break? Piet Levy, Journal Sentinel, 18 Dec. 2024 The tour is slated to kick off on May 5 with a show at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ, followed by amphitheater gigs in San Diego, Santa Barbara, Milwaukee, Cincinnati and Toronto before winding down at the BankNH Pavilion in Gilford, N.H. on July 1. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 10 Dec. 2024 The ongoing construction to renovate the city’s downtown campus, which includes the amphitheater, prompted the relocation. Shawn Raymundo, The Arizona Republic, 28 Nov. 2024 Changes posted to the Noblesville amphitheater's website indicate general parking will now have to be purchased separately from concert tickets. Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near amphitheater

Cite this Entry

“Amphitheater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphitheater. Accessed 3 Jan. 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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