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arena

n.
US //ɝˈinə// UK //ɐɹˈiːnɐ// are·na
  1. 1 sports or concert venue (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Sport

    a large building or area with seats around it, used for sports or musical performances.

    a large, often circular or oval building or enclosure used for public entertainment, such as sporting events or concerts.

    Example

    The band played to a sold-out crowd at the city's largest indoor arena.

    Example

    The municipal arena underwent extensive renovations to accommodate the technical requirements of modern touring stage productions.

  2. 2 area of activity (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a particular place or area of interest, such as politics or business.

    a sphere of intense activity, competition, or debate; often used to describe abstract fields like politics or international relations.

    Example

    She decided to leave her job in law and enter the political arena.

    Example

    The diplomat spent decades navigating the international arena, brokering deals between nations with conflicting economic interests.

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  1. 3 Ancient Roman centre (n.)
    C1 Advanced Archaic Technical

    the sand-covered floor in the middle of an ancient Roman theatre where people fought.

    the central, sand-covered area of an ancient Roman amphitheatre where gladiatorial contests and public spectacles took place.

    Example

    The guide explained how gladiators once fought in the arena of the Colosseum.

    Example

    Archaeologists discovered evidence of complex drainage systems beneath the arena floor, designed to clear water after simulated naval battles.

    Usage

    Often used in historical contexts when discussing Roman architecture or history.

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