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 Oliviers attract the biggest names in the world of theatre, so can of course provide a world of opportunity for doing a bit of networking.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

"Music and theatre have been the major force in my life, and when I look back, I can hardly believe the journey and the logevity of it all," she said.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

"I haven't done any theatre for 14 years, it was a huge, exhilarating risk to come back and be invited by the National Theatre, home of so much wonderful work, to do this special play."

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

The stage musical based on the popular Paddington books and films has dominated the Olivier Awards in the theatre event's 50th year, winning seven prizes in total.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

“To the theatre! Maybe we can find out what’s going on! There has to be a connection between the theatre and your uncle and the Marvels, right? And maybe with Marcus, too.”

From "The Marvels" by Brian Selznick

Related Words

• theater
• troupe