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

On Thursday, the new Co-op Live arena - which has already been booked for the Brits again for next year - will also stage the Mobo Awards for the first time.

From BBC

In an arena full of stars in the stands and on the court it was the voice of a 6-year-old that reminded us how awesome it is to be a Lakers fan for life!

From Los Angeles Times

BTS’s shows will position them in the center of stadiums for 360-degree view, making all of an arena’s seats available for sale.

From The Wall Street Journal

The attendance of 49,568 meant there were 12,000 empty seats inside the vast arena - but it was actually one of the best atmospheres this season as Spurs fans responded to their side's efforts.

From BBC

All of Nvidia’s biggest customers have their own custom inference chips, and there are other start-ups in the arena.

From Barron's

Related Words

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