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

Today, the Horn of Africa is an arena of intensified great-power competition, with China and Turkey expanding their presence and influence in Somalia.

From The Wall Street Journal

Last week, families bereaved by the arena attack in 2017 wrote to him saying MI5 had failed them and argued that the proposed law must apply fully to security services.

From BBC

Teammates have tried futilely to beat James to the arena or the practice facility in the morning and can never seem to arrive early enough.

From Los Angeles Times

Within a couple of years, he was filling arenas and then stadiums and became one of the most popular working artists, not far from the Morgan Wallens and Bad Bunnys of the world.

From The Wall Street Journal

There have also been rumours that the star will play a residency at Manchester's Co-op Live arena.

From BBC

Related Words

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