arena

American  

[uh-ree-nuh] / əˈri nə /

noun

1. the oval space in the center of a Roman amphitheater for gladiatorial combats or other performances.

2. a central stage, ring, area, or the like, used for sports or other forms of entertainment, surrounded by seats for spectators.

   a boxing arena; a circus arena.

3. a building housing an arena.

4. a field of conflict, activity, or endeavor.

   the arena of politics.

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arena British  

/ əˈriːnə /

noun

1. 1. an enclosure or platform, usually surrounded by seats on all sides, in which sports events, contests, entertainments, etc, take place

      a boxing arena

   2. ( as modifier )

      arena stage

2. the central area of an ancient Roman amphitheatre, in which gladiatorial contests and other spectacles were held

3. a sphere or scene of conflict or intense activity

   the political arena

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Etymology

Origin of arena

1620–30; < Latin ( h ) arēna sand, sandy place, area sanded for combat

Example Sentences

Held in an e-sport arena, hundreds of people come to cheer on those participating.

From BBC

It was far from a technical showcase at Derby Vaillant Live arena, with frequent grappling and clinching, but the contest sparked into life when TKV rocked Clarke with a heavy left hook in the 11th.

From BBC

That evening’s performance marked the Mexican rock band’s 43rd arena show in the L.A. area, surpassing Bruce Springsteen’s record for most arena performances in the region.

From Los Angeles Times

If she chooses a life outside of politics, Greene would join a host of former politicians and political operatives who have launched careers in the podcast arena.

From BBC

We were playing, I think, a 90-date arena tour, which, now there’s a ton of artists playing stadiums, but back then an arena show was essentially the top of the mountain.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• field
• gym
• gymnasium
• park
• ring
• rink
• square
• stadium
• stage