noun
amphitheater
AM-fuh-thee-uh-ter/ˈæmfəˌθiət̮ər/
A venue with seats rising around a central performance or speaking area.
The amphitheater's tiered seats rise around its central stage.
Etymology
A theater “on both sides” was a double theater: classical theaters were semicircles, so two together surrounded the performance area. That image explains the seating arranged around a central space.
In context
… most impressive of all was the amphitheater that still stands today. In its heyday, capable of seating an entire legion …
More examples
- Students gather in the lecture amphitheater for the demonstration.
- The ancient amphitheater could hold thousands of spectators.
- The park's outdoor amphitheater hosts concerts each summer.
Forms
amphitheater · amphitheaters
Similar words
- auditorium
- Names an audience hall without requiring seats around a central area.
- arena
- Emphasizes the central performance area rather than the surrounding seating.