theatre

Variant of theater

theater definition

thea·ter or theatre the′a·tre (t̸hēə tər)

noun

  1. a place where plays, operas, films, etc. are presented; esp., a building or outdoor structure expressly designed for such presentations
  2. any place resembling a theater, esp. a lecture hall, surgical clinic, etc., having the floor of the seating space raked
  3. any place where events take place; scene of operations; specif., an area of military operations, as in a war a commander in the Southern Pacific theater
    1. the dramatic art or dramatic works; drama
    2. the theatrical world; people engaged in theatrical activity
    3. the legitimate theater, as distinguished from films, TV, etc.: often with the
  4. theatrical technique, production, etc. with reference to its effectiveness a play that is good theater

Etymology: ME theatre < OFr < L theatrum < Gr theatron < base of theasthai, to see, view < IE base *dhāu-, to see > Gr thauma, miracle

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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