I. thē-ˈa-tri-kəl adjective
also the·at·ric -trik
Date: 1558
1. : of or relating to the theater or the presentation of plays
a theatrical costume
2. : marked by pretense or artificiality of emotion
3.
a. : histrionic
a theatrical gesture
b. : marked by extravagant display or exhibitionism
Synonyms: see dramatic
• the·at·ri·cal·ism -kə-ˌli-zəm noun
• the·at·ri·cal·i·ty -ˌa-trə-ˈka-lə-tē noun
• the·at·ri·cal·ly -ˈa-tri-k(ə-)lē adverb
II. noun
Date: circa 1683
1. plural
a. : the performance of plays
b. : dramatics
2. British : a professional actor
3. plural : showy or extravagant gestures