Theater - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Theater : (noun)
1: a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented; "the house was full" [syn: theatre, house]
2: the art of writing and producing plays [syn: dramaturgy, dramatic art, dramatics, theatre]
3: 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 of operations, theatre, theatre of operations]

Based on WordNet 2.0

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.

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 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 war.

Based on WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003)