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

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.

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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.

Read more on 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.

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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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Isaiah Barnes, playing in the arena his father, Matt, once played in, scored 23 points and made four threes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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