theatre

[thee-uh-ter, theeuh-]

noun

1. a variant of theater.

theatre

/ ˈθɪətə /

noun

1. 1. a building designed for the performance of plays, operas, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a theatre ticket

   3. ( in combination )

      a theatregoer

2. a large room or hall, usually with a raised platform and tiered seats for an audience, used for lectures, film shows, etc

3. Also called: operating theatre. a room in a hospital or other medical centre equipped for surgical operations

4. plays regarded collectively as a form of art

5. the world of actors, theatrical companies, etc

   the glamour of the theatre

6. a setting for dramatic or important events

7. writing that is suitable for dramatic presentation

   a good piece of theatre

8. the usual word for cinema

9. a major area of military activity

   the theatre of operations

10. a circular or semicircular open-air building with tiers of seats

Word History and Origins

Origin of theatre¹

C14: from Latin theātrum, from Greek theatron place for viewing, from theasthai to look at; related to Greek thauma miracle

Example Sentences

Emma Fawcett, course leader of dance and musical theatre at York College, said fundraising in her former student's memory meant "everything" to her.

From BBC

Add packed lecture theatres, dirty shared kitchens and late-night parties, and the result is a wave of illness that spreads quickly.

From BBC

Realistically, from a human-power perspective, all a queer minority can do in the face of a majority tidal shift is bravely let the show go on until someone burns down the theatre.

From Salon

At their meeting with Mr Philip's family in 2022, the hospital said Ms Booth's relationship with theatre staff was "excellent" and no concerns regarding bullying had been identified.

From BBC

After the loss at Selhurst Park, the trip to Istanbul was arguably the last thing Liverpool needed, walking into this hostile, fanatical atmosphere that is a ready-built stage for sporting theatre.

From BBC

Related Words

• theater 
• troupe