I. noun
or the·a·tre ˈthēə]d.ə(r), ˈthiə], ]tə sometimes ˈthēˌā] or thēˈā]
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English theatre, from Middle French, from Latin theatrum, from Greek theatron, from theasthai to see, view (from thea action of seeing, sight) + -tron, suffix denoting means, instrument, or place; akin to Greek thauma wonder, miracle — more at -tron
1.
a. : an outdoor structure for dramatic performances or spectacles in ancient Greece and Rome including a stage with associated buildings and usually semicircular tiers of unroofed seats
b. : a building for dramatic performances in modern times usually including a stage with side wings and flies and with dressing rooms for actors and an auditorium often with balconies and boxes : playhouse
c. obsolete : a theater stage
d. : a theater audience : house
the theater applauded him warmly
e. : a building for the showing of motion pictures
f. : a company of performers which presents plays or dances
2. : something resembling a theater in form or use: as
a. : a place rising by steps or gradations
shade above shade, a woody theater of stateliest view — John Milton
b. : a room often with rising tiers of seats for lectures, surgical demonstrations, or other assemblies or exhibitions
the hospital has … a clinic theater for student instruction — American Guide Series: Maryland
c. usually theatre , Britain : a hospital operating room
3. obsolete : a comprehensive outline or view : conspectus — used chiefly in book titles
4.
a. : a place or sphere that is the scene of dramatic events or significant action
the theater of public life
this was the theater of … the most stupendous financial fiasco in the history of the world — F.J.Haskin
b. : the scene of a public ceremony (as a temporary platform)
the cathedral crossing became the coronation theater
5. obsolete : example , exhibition , spectacle
6.
a. : written dramatic literature : plays
the theater of Eugene O'Neill
the theater of 19th century France
b. : dramatic performance or representation : drama as an active art
naïveté was the keynote to the American theater — Otis Skinner
c. : dramatic aptitude or effectiveness : skillful depiction of character or of the conflict or interplay of persons
this is pure theater — Cecile Starr
the play makes lively theater
the weakest theater in the play
II. ˈthēə|d.ə(r), ˈthiə|, |tə\ adjective
Etymology: theater , noun
: tactical
theater nuclear weapons