ENGLISH
REFERENCE

theatre

n.
US //ˈθiətɝ// UK //θˈiətɐ// the·atre
  1. 1 performance venue (n.)
    A1 Beginner British English Theatre

    a building or outdoor area where people go to watch plays, concerts, or other performances.

    a building or outdoor area designed for the performance of plays, operas, or concerts.

    Example

    We bought tickets for the new musical at the theatre in the city centre.

    Example

    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.

  2. 2 the dramatic arts (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Theatre

    the work of writing, acting in, and producing plays.

    the profession or art of writing, acting in, or producing dramatic works.

    Example

    She decided to study theatre because she loved performing on stage.

    Example

    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.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 a cinema (n.)
    A2 Elementary British English Theatre

    a place where you go to watch films.

    a venue for the screening of motion pictures.

    Example

    The local theatre is showing the new superhero movie all weekend.

    Example

    The independent theatre specialises in foreign language films that rarely get a wide release in the major chains.

    Teacher's tip

    While 'cinema' is more common in the UK, 'theatre' (or 'movie theatre') is frequently used in Canada and Australia for this sense.
  2. 4 operating room (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Medicine

    a special room in a hospital where doctors perform medical operations.

    a room in a hospital equipped for surgical operations.

    Example

    The patient was taken into the theatre for his heart surgery at noon.

    Example

    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'.
Word family
Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference