theatre

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: the=a=tre

CIDE DICTIONARY

theatre, n. [F. théâtre, L. theatrum, Gr. , fr. to see, view; cf. Skr. dhyā to meditate, think. Cf. Theory.].

•  An edifice in which dramatic performances or spectacles are exhibited for the amusement of spectators; anciently uncovered, except the stage, but in modern times roofed.  [1913 Webster]
•  Any room adapted to the exhibition of any performances before an assembly, as public lectures, scholastic exercises, anatomical demonstrations, surgical operations, etc.  [1913 Webster]
•  That which resembles a theater in form, use, or the like; a place rising by steps or gradations, like the seats of a theater.  Burns.  [1913 Webster]

  "Shade above shade, a woody theater
  Of stateliest view."  [1913 Webster]
•  A sphere or scheme of operation.  [1913 Webster]

  "For if a man can be partaker of God's theater, he shall likewise be partaker of God's rest."  [1913 Webster]
•  A place or region where great events are enacted; as, the theater of war.  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

theatre, n. (US theater)
1 a a building or outdoor area for dramatic performances. b a cinema.
2 a the writing and production of plays. b effective material for the stage (makes good theatre).
3 a room or hall for lectures etc. with seats in tiers.
4 Brit. an operating theatre.
5 a a scene or field of action (the theatre of war). b (attrib.) designating weapons intermediate between tactical and strategic (theatre nuclear missiles).
6 a natural land-formation in a gradually rising part-circle like ancient Greek and Roman theatres.

Idiom

theatre-goer a frequenter of theatres. theatre-going frequenting theatres. theatre-in-the-round a dramatic performance on a stage surrounded by spectators. theatre sister a nurse supervising the nursing team in an operating theatre.

Etymology

ME f. OF t(h)eatre or f. L theatrum f. Gk theatron f. theaomai behold

THESAURUS

theatre

acting, area, arena, auditorium, coliseum, drama, dramaturgy, hippodrome, histrionics, melodrama, opera house, performance, performing, playhouse, scene, setting, show business, stagecraft, staginess, the boards, the stage, theatrics