theater
UK: ˈθɪətə | US: ˈθiːətər
n. a building or outdoor area for dramatic performances, films, or other entertainments
n. the art or profession of acting and producing plays
n. a setting or arena for significant events (e.g., "the theater of war")
theater = thea<view> + ter<noun suffix>
- thea (from Greek thea "a viewing, spectacle," related to theasthai "to behold")
- ter (suffix denoting a place or medium, from Greek -tron via Latin -trum)
Etymology Origin:
The word "theater" traces back to Greek theatron ("a place for viewing"), combining thea ("view") with -tron (a suffix for locations). Originally describing the physical space for performances, it later expanded to encompass the art form itself and metaphorical "stages" of events. The spelling evolved through Latin theatrum and Old French theatre before settling into its modern English forms (theater/theatre).
The ancient Greek theater at Epidaurus is renowned for its acoustics.
She studied theater at university and now works as a director.
The protest turned the city square into a theater of political expression.
Broadway is the heart of American musical theater.
The surgeon entered the operating theater with confidence.