theatre

American  

[thee-uh-ter, theeuh-] / ˈθi ə tər, ˈθiə- /

noun

1. a variant of theater.

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theatre British  

/ ˈθɪətə /

noun

1. 1. a building designed for the performance of plays, operas, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a theatre ticket

   3. ( in combination )

      a theatregoer

2. a large room or hall, usually with a raised platform and tiered seats for an audience, used for lectures, film shows, etc

3. Also called: operating theatre.  a room in a hospital or other medical centre equipped for surgical operations

4. plays regarded collectively as a form of art

5. the world of actors, theatrical companies, etc

   the glamour of the theatre

6. a setting for dramatic or important events

7. writing that is suitable for dramatic presentation

   a good piece of theatre

8. the usual word for cinema

9. a major area of military activity

   the theatre of operations

10. a circular or semicircular open-air building with tiers of seats

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Etymology

Origin of theatre

C14: from Latin theātrum, from Greek theatron place for viewing, from theasthai to look at; related to Greek thauma miracle

Explanation

A theatre is the place where plays are performed, especially in England, because the normal American spelling of theatre is theater. If you're looking for a night of drama and astonishment, try going to the theatre. Theatre comes from the Ancient Greek theatron, which means a place for showing, or performing. Now we call the place and the stuff performed the same thing. There are theatres where other things happen than plays. A theatre of war is the area in which a war is taking place. If you're fascinated by war but don't have the nerve to be a soldier, why not make theatre about war?

Example Sentences

"The Strait may eventually reopen fully, but until there is something more concrete than draft frameworks and political theatre, every barrel remains hostage to headline volatility, even if sub-$100," he said.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

"Alan coming and taking over at Pitlochry has been a huge shot of adrenaline to Scottish theatre and I think we both want to come back and give stuff back to Scotland," says Masson.

From BBC • May 24, 2026

"But in 2026, I will be in more musicals in one year than in the rest of my career in the theatre."

From BBC • May 24, 2026

Harvey, who sat next to the King, said he seemed like a "true enthusiast of the theatre" and was "laughing away" during the performance.

From BBC • May 23, 2026

What if, in spite of everything, he still felt some loyalty to his theatre family and, learning of my association with Falconer, he had come to expose me?

From "The Shakespeare Stealer" by Gary L. Blackwood

Related Words

• theater
• troupe