–noun1.an oval or round building with tiers of seats around a centralopen area, as those used in ancient Rome for gladiatorialcontests.
2.any similar place for public contests, games, performances,exhibitions, etc.; an arena, stadium, or auditorium. 3.a room having tiers of seats arranged around a central area,in which students and other observers can view surgery, hearlectures, etc.
4.British .a.the first section of seats in the gallery of a theater.
b.a designated section of seats in any part of a theater.
5.a level area of oval or circular shape surrounded by risingground.
Also, am·phi·the·a·tre.
Origin: 1540–50; < L amphitheātrum < Gk amphithéātron. See amphi-,theater —Related formsam·phi·the·at·ric [am-fuh-thee-a-trik] Show IPA,am·phi·the·at·ri·cal, adjective am·phi·the·at·ri·cal·ly, adverb