Definitions
01performance venue
A1 · Beginner Countable noun Theater British English
n. a building or outdoor area where people go to watch plays, concerts, or other performances.
n. a building or outdoor area designed for the performance of plays, operas, or concerts.
“We bought tickets for the new musical at the theatre in the city centre.”
“The historic theatre underwent a massive renovation to restore the ornate gold leaf on the ceiling while modernising the acoustics for contemporary audiences.”
Usage
The spelling 'theatre' is standard in British, Australian, and Canadian English; 'theater' is the American spelling.
Pitfall
We went to the theatre for see a play.
We went to the theatre to see a play.
Use 'to' followed by the base verb to express the purpose of going somewhere.
02the dramatic arts
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Theater
n. the work of writing, acting in, and producing plays.
n. the profession or art of writing, acting in, or producing dramatic works.
“She decided to study theatre because she loved performing on stage.”
“His contribution to experimental theatre changed how directors approached the relationship between the audience and the performers.”
Usage
Often used without an article when referring to the industry or art form.
Synonyms
03a cinema
A2 · Elementary Countable noun Theater British English
n. a place where you go to watch films.
n. a venue for the screening of motion pictures.
“The local theatre is showing the new superhero movie all weekend.”
“The independent theatre specialises in foreign language films that rarely get a wide release in the major chains.”
Teaching tip
While 'cinema' is more common in the UK, 'theatre' (or 'movie theatre') is frequently used in Canada and Australia for this sense.
Synonyms
04operating room
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Medicine British English
n. a special room in a hospital where doctors perform medical operations.
n. a room in a hospital equipped for surgical operations.
“The patient was taken into the theatre for his heart surgery at noon.”
“The surgical team spent six hours in the theatre performing a complex procedure to repair the damaged artery.”
Usage
Often used in the phrase 'operating theatre'.
Synonyms
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A1 · BeginnerOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/theatre
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0