English Reference
noun

venue

n.
US /ˈvɛnju/ UK /vˈɛnjuː/ venue UK spelling venues

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the place where a specific event, like a concert, meeting, or party, is held.

    the location or establishment where a public or private event is staged.

    Simple

    The hotel was the perfect venue for their wedding reception.

    In context

    The organisers are currently scouting for a larger venue to accommodate the unexpected surge in ticket sales for the summer festival.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    a building or area designed for sports or entertainment, like a stadium or theatre.

    a purpose-built facility, such as an arena or auditorium, designated for professional performances or athletic competitions.

    Simple

    The city built a new sports venue for the upcoming international games.

    In context

    Acoustic engineers were consulted to ensure the venue could support both high-energy rock concerts and delicate orchestral performances.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced FormalTechnical Law

    the specific place or county where a trial happens or where a crime was committed.

    the geographical jurisdiction or specific court where a legal action is tried.

    Simple

    The lawyer asked for a change of venue to ensure a fair trial.

    In context

    The defence filed a motion for a change of venue, arguing that extensive local media coverage had prejudiced the potential jury pool.

    Usage

    Often used in the phrase 'change of venue'.

Students often act as brand reps for nightclubs, as well as other events and venues.

The Guardian· 15 Aug 2026

That poses a problem for Thorstad, who is a strong believer in peer review and publishes only in venues that use it.

Ars Technica· 10 Aug 2026

From Middle English venu, from Old French venue, the feminine singular past participle of the verb venir (to come). Doublet of veny.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Old French venue
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated