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

Example Sentences

Foremost among them was Chapal Bhaduri - better known as Chapal Rani - the reigning "queen" of jatra, a travelling theatre tradition that once drew vast, fervent crowds.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Male actors playing female roles were a familiar trope across global theatre, from Europe to Japan and China.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

One potential transplant did not proceed because the hospital didn't have a theatre available.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Vivian was born in Holland and moved to London four years ago to pursue musical theatre.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

Within two months, the partners raised enough money to form their own Broadway theatre company.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow

Related Words

• theater
• troupe