arena

[uh-ree-nuh]

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.

arena

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of arena¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of arena¹

C17: from Latin harēna sand, place where sand was strewn for the combats

Example Sentences

On her 2014 LP, “1989,” she finally severed herself from country music, and needed to show the world she could be as dominant in the pop arena, and she succeeded commercially and artistically.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In addition to an uncommon skill set, companies trying to win in the hypercompetitive AI arena are scouting for commitment bordering on fanaticism.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In June, Grams revealed those plans before more than 10,000 store managers gathered in a Las Vegas sports arena for a company conference.

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Corrections & Amplifications The Basketball Africa League holds games in a $104 million arena in Kigali.

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I was wearing my arena suit, bathing cap and competitive swim goggles.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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