ENGLISH
REFERENCE

theatre

n. C / U
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈθiətɝ// UK //θˈiətɐ// the·atre Archaic General-service Vulgar

n. a building or outdoor area where you go to watch plays, shows, or movies. It can also mean the art of acting and producing plays.

n. a building, room, or outdoor structure for the presentation of plays, films, or other dramatic performances. In a medical context, it refers to a room equipped for surgical operations.


SIMPLE

We are going to the theatre to see a new play.

CONTEXTUAL

The local theatre is hosting a festival of classic films and modern stage performances all next week.

COMPLEX

While the city is famous for its grand opera house, the smaller experimental theatre in the basement of the library offers more daring and innovative productions.

Synonyms
Usage

Countable when referring to the building; uncountable when referring to the art form or profession.

Pitfall

I like watching theatreI like going to the theatreWhen referring to the activity of seeing a play, English speakers usually use the phrase 'go to the theatre' rather than using the noun as a direct object of 'watch'.

Idioms1 entry

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