Meaning & Definition of word "Theater"

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    Theater

    /ˈθiːətər/

    noun:

    • 1. A building or outdoor area in which plays and other dramatic performances are given.
      • Example: We bought tickets to see the new play at the downtown theater.
    • 2. The art or profession of writing and producing plays.
      • Example: She studied theater in college and hopes to become a playwright.
    • 3. A place where movies are shown.
      • Example: Let's go to the theater to watch the latest blockbuster film.
    • 4. A venue for performance, such as a concert or a dance show.
      • Example: The concert will be held in a large theater with a capacity of over a thousand people.
    • 5. A region of activity or a setting characterized by a particular type of action.
      • Example: The theater of war was shifting as the conflict escalated.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'theatrum', from Greek 'theatron' meaning 'seeing place'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    break a leg:

    A phrase used to wish performers good luck.

    steal the show:

    To attract the most attention in a performance.

    house full:

    Indicates that all seats in the theater are sold out.

    on stage:

    Refers to performers currently performing in front of the audience.

    the show must go on:

    An expression emphasizing the continuation of a performance despite difficulties.

    Related Words

    production:

    A specific performance created by a group for the theater.

    audition:

    A trial performance to select actors for a theatrical role.

    script:

    The written text of a play or performance.

    director:

    The person who oversees the artistic aspects of a theater production.

    stagecraft:

    The technical aspects of theatrical production.

    Slang Meanings of theater

    Meaning: The biz

    Example Sentence: He's in the biz, working as a stage manager in the theater scene.

    Meaning: The boards

    Example Sentence: She's been treading the boards since she was a teenager.