# amphitheatre

/ˈæmfəθiˈeɪtɝ/ (US) · /ˈæmfɪθˌiətɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/amphitheatre
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. classical or modern venue

noun · CEFR B2

a round or oval outdoor building with seats that go up in steps around a central stage.

For teachers: a circular or oval building, typically unroofed, with a central space for the presentation of dramatic or sporting events surrounded by tiers of seats for spectators.

- The tourists visited the ancient Roman amphitheatre to see where the gladiators once fought.
- The city's modern amphitheatre serves as a premier venue for summer concerts, offering excellent sightlines from every tiered section.

### 2. natural formation

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a natural area, like a valley or mountain slope, that is shaped like a bowl and makes sound travel well.

For teachers: a natural formation of land, such as a semicircular valley or rock basin, that resembles a man-made amphitheatre and often possesses acoustic properties.

- The hikers rested in a natural amphitheatre formed by the surrounding red cliffs.
- Geological erosion created a vast amphitheatre in the canyon, which now acts as a natural sounding board for the local wildlife's calls.

## Examples

- The ancient amphitheatre is still used for summer concerts.
- Archaeologists discovered a massive amphitheatre hidden beneath the city's modern streets, suggesting the area was once a major cultural center.
- The design of the Roman amphitheatre allowed for excellent visibility and sound distribution, enabling thousands of spectators to enjoy gladiatorial contests without the need for artificial amplification.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.