Colosseum

American  

[kol-uh-see-uhm] / ˌkɒl əˈsi əm /

noun

1. an ancient amphitheater in Rome, begun a.d. c70 by Vespasian, having the form of an oval 617 by 512 feet (188 by 156 meters).

2. (lowercase) coliseum.

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colosseum ¹ British  

/ ˌkɒləˈsɪəm /

noun

1. a variant spelling of coliseum

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Colosseum ² British  

/ ˌkɒləˈsɪəm /

noun

1. an amphitheatre in Rome built about 75–80 _ad

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Colosseum Cultural  

1. A great arena of ancient Rome, which seated fifty thousand. It is in ruins today, but its former glory can still be imagined.

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Discover More

According to tradition, persecuted Christians (see also Christian) were fed to lions in the Colosseum for the entertainment of the Romans. (See also bread and circuses.)

Some of the contests staged in the Colosseum were between gladiators, who fought with swords; some were between people and animals. The arena could even be flooded for mock sea battles.

Etymology

Origin of Colosseum

< Latin, noun use of neuter of colossēus gigantic < Greek kolossiaîos, equivalent to koloss ( ós ) colossus + -iaios adj. suffix

Example Sentences

It is the first time since 2022 that the pope has personally taken part in the Way of the Cross, which has been organised at the Colosseum since 1964.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Conservationists also point to Dateline’s history operating the Colosseum Mine as a source of concern, saying the company flouted National Park Service rules and damaged the surrounding landscape.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Their friendship led to a role in Lee’s 1972 film “Return of the Dragon,” in which the two faced off in the Colosseum in Rome.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Roman emperor’s secret passage to Colosseum opens to public for first time in 2000 years.

From MarketWatch • Oct. 10, 2025

Not so long ago, he’d fought for his life in the Roman Colosseum before a cheering ghostly audience.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan