amphitheater

noun

am·​phi·​the·​ater ˈam(p)-fə-ˌthē(-ə)-tər How to pronounce amphitheater (audio)
also ˈam-pə-ˌthē-
Synonyms of amphitheater
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

Synonyms of amphitheater

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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.
And that took place on another tier of their garden, in an amphitheater amid an olive grove. — Elise Taylor, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026 The chapel overlooked a canyon, and Clementina designed the seating in the shape of a Greek amphitheater to accentuate the mountain landscape’s beauty. — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026 An outdoor amphitheater is also envisioned as part of the project. — Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 30 Sep. 2026 The facility also includes a picnic shelter, a restroom, a graffiti wall and an amphitheater for small concerts and events. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 27 Sep. 2026 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

Rhymes for amphitheater

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Browse Nearby Words

amphitene
amphitheater
amphitheatral
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Amphitheater.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amphitheater. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about amphitheater

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