Dictionary-Definition.com :: Theatre definition

Definition of 'theatre'

noun

A building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented; "the house was full" [syn: theater, theatre, house]

noun

The art of writing and producing plays [syn: dramaturgy, dramatic art, dramatics, theater, theatre]

noun

A region in which active military operations are in progress; "the army was in the field awaiting action"; "he served in the Vietnam theater for three years" [syn: field, field of operations, theater, theater of operations, theatre, theatre of operations]

From: GCIDE

Theater \The"a*ter\, Theatre \The"a*tre\, n. [F. th['e][^a]tre, L. theatrum, Gr. ?, fr. ? to see, view; cf. Skr. dhy[=a] 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. [1913 Webster]
2. Any room adapted to the exhibition of any performances before an assembly, as public lectures, scholastic exercises, anatomical demonstrations, surgical operations, etc. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
Shade above shade, a woody theater Of stateliest view. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
4. A sphere or scheme of operation. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
For if a man can be partaker of God's theater, he shall likewise be partaker of God's rest. --Bacon. [1913 Webster]
5. A place or region where great events are enacted; as, the theater of war. [1913 Webster] Theatin

Theatre only mentioned in Acts 19:29, 31. The ruins of this theatre at Ephesus still exist, and they show that it was a magnificent structure, capable of accommodating some 56,700 persons. It was the largest structure of the kind that ever existed. Theatres, as places of amusement, were unknown to the Jews.