Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Theatre
{
, The′a-ter
,The′a-tre
}Noun.
[F.
théâtre
, L. theatrum
, Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK] to see, view; cf. Skr. dhyā
to meditate, think. Cf. Theory
.] 1.
An edifice in which dramatic performances or spectacles are exhibited for the amusement of spectators; anciently uncovered, except the stage, but in modern times roofed.
2.
Any room adapted to the exhibition of any performances before an assembly, as public lectures, scholastic exercises, anatomical demonstrations, surgical operations, etc.
3.
That which resembles a theater in form, use, or the like; a place rising by steps or gradations, like the seats of a theater.
Burns.
Shade above shade, a woody
Of stateliest view.
theater
Of stateliest view.
Milton.
4.
A sphere or scheme of operation.
[Obs.]
For if a man can be partaker of God’s
theater
, he shall likewise be partaker of God's rest. Bacon.
5.
A place or region where great events are enacted;
as, the
. theater
of warWebster 1828 Edition
Theatre
THE'ATRE
,Noun.
1.
Among the ancients, an edifice in which spectacles or shows were exhibited for the amusement of spectators.2.
In modern times, a house for the exhibition of dramatic performances, as tragedies, comedies and farces; a play-house; comprehending the stage, the pit, the boxes, galleries and orchester.3.
Among the Italians, an assemblage of buildings, which by a happy disposition and elevation, represents an agreeable scene to the eye.4.
A place rising by steps or gradations like the seats of a theater. Shade above shade, a woody theater
Of stateliest view--
5.
A place of action or exhibition; as the theater of the world.6.
A building for the exhibition of scholastic exercises, as at Oxford, or for other exhibitions.Anatomical theater, a hall with several rows of seats, disposed in the manner of an amphitheater, and a table turning on a pivot in the middle, for anatomical demonstrations.
Definition 2024
theatre
theatre
English
Noun
theatre (plural theatres)
- (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain) Alternative spelling of theater
- 1922, Ben Travers, chapter 2, in A Cuckoo in the Nest:
- Mother […] considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom, from which every Kensingtonian held aloof, except on the conventional tip-and-run excursions in pursuit of shopping, tea and theatres.
- 2012 May 13, Phil McNulty, “Man City 3-2 QPR”, in BBC Sport:
- City's players and supporters travelled from one end of the emotional scale to the other in those vital seconds, providing a truly remarkable piece of football theatre and the most dramatic conclusion to a season in Premier League history.
-
- (US) Often used specifically of playhouses and drama, so as to distinguish from moviehouses and cinema.
Usage notes
- The spelling theatre is the main spelling in Commonwealth English, with theater being rare.
- The spelling theater is the predominant American spelling; it accounts for about 80% of usage in COCA (the major corpus of American English). People who work in the theatre industry in United States, however, usually use the spelling "theatre", especially when writing about the art-form while retaining "theater" to write about the location. The spelling is also used often in advertising.
Translations
theater — see theater