1. an oval or circular building with tiers of seats rising around a central arena, used in ancient Rome for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles
Usage: historical; often capitalized when referring to specific ancient structures
2. a modern building or structure with tiered seating arranged in a semicircle or circle, used for lectures, performances, or sporting events
Usage: contemporary usage
3. a natural formation or landscape feature resembling an amphitheatre in shape, with steep sides rising in tiers
Usage: geographical

Examples

• The Colosseum in Rome is the most famous amphitheatre of the ancient world.
• Thousands of spectators gathered in the amphitheatre to watch the gladiators compete.
• The university built a new amphitheatre for outdoor lectures and concerts.
• The natural amphitheatre formed by the canyon walls created perfect acoustics for the performance.
• Students sat on the stone steps of the amphitheatre during the outdoor seminar.
• The ancient amphitheatre could hold up to 50,000 people.
• Modern amphitheatres are often used for graduations and large public events.