theater of war

noun

1. the entire area in which ground, sea, and air forces may become directly employed in war operations, including the theater of operations and the zone of interior.

Word History and Origins

Origin of theater of war¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

Critics have described the attacks as “lawless,” coming outside any theater of war and explicitly directed at civilians.

From Salon

“Children should never be regarded as pawns in the theater of war,” it said.

From Washington Times

Of all the things that could inflame tensions in a region that could someday be a theater of war between superpowers, the movie “Barbie” was not an obvious catalyst.

From New York Times

“We had great protection, but nonetheless, a war — theater of war.”

From Seattle Times

In the bigger scope, this is a limited theater of war.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• arena 
• battleground www.thesaurus.com
• front line