arena
The definition of an arena is a large structure used to host a variety of acts of entertainment for the public, or the central part of ancient Roman amphitheaters where gladiator shows took place.
(noun)An example of an arena is a building where professional hockey games are played.
An arena is defined as a place or or location where forces contend or major events unfold.
(noun)An example of referring to an arena is to discuss what is happening in the world of entertainment.
See arena in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
- the central part of an ancient Roman amphitheater, where gladiatorial contests and shows took place
- a central area used for entertainment or sports events and usually surrounded by seats
- a building containing such an area: an arena for boxing matches
- any sphere of struggle or conflict: the arena of politics
- the central stage in an arena theater
Origin: L arena, harena, sand, sandy place, arena
See arena in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- a. An enclosed area for the presentation of sports events and spectacles.b. A building housing such an area
- A place or scene where forces contend or events unfold: withdrew from the political arena; the world as an arena of moral conflict.
- The area in the center of an ancient Roman amphitheater where contests and other spectacles were held.
Origin:
Origin: Latin harēna, arēna, sand, a sand-strewn place of combat in an amphitheater
Origin: , perhaps of Etruscan origin
. Word History: Fans watching contact sports such as boxing, hockey, or football in modern arenas might be struck by the connection between the word arena and the notion of gladiatorial combat. This word is from Latin harēna (also spelled arēna), “sand.” Harēna then came to mean the part of a Roman amphitheater that was covered with sand to absorb the blood spilled by the combatants. Arena is first recorded in English during the 17th century, denoting this area of a Roman amphitheater.Learn more about arena
