theatre
theatre — noun
1. a building or outdoor space with raised seating where audiences go to watch live
a building or outdoor space with raised seating where audiences go to watch live performances such as plays, musicals, or films
Ada and her family went to the theatre last Saturday to watch a musical.
go to the theatre — attend a live performance
The old theatre on King Street was renovated and now hosts plays every weekend.
Vivek bought three tickets for the new comedy at the Royal Theatre.
tickets for [play] at the [theatre name]
When it rains, the outdoor theatre in the park moves its performances indoors.
The theatre was completely full, with people even standing along the back wall.
- go to the theatre
- at the theatre
- theatre tickets
- theatre company
- packed theatre
Grammar Patterns
theatre + noun (e.g. theatre tickets, theatre company)
Usage Note
In British English, 'theatre' can refer to both live performance venues and cinemas, though 'cinema' is more common for film screenings. The phrase 'go to the theatre' almost always means watching a live stage performance.
Common Mistakes
2. a room inside a hospital that is specially designed for doctors to perform surge
a room inside a hospital that is specially designed for doctors to perform surgery
The surgeon spent nearly five hours in the operating theatre performing a heart transplant.
operating theatre — hospital room for surgery
Nurse Élise prepared the theatre quickly when the emergency case arrived at midnight.
Only authorised medical staff are permitted inside the operating theatre during a procedure.
authorised staff in the operating theatre
Dr Adisa washed his hands thoroughly before entering the theatre for the morning surgery.
- operating theatre
- in theatre
- theatre nurse
- emergency theatre
- theatre staff
- operating room
the American English equivalent, often abbreviated as OR
Grammar Patterns
operating theatre
in theatre
Usage Note
Usually occurs as 'operating theatre' or simply 'theatre' within a hospital context. In American English, 'operating room' (OR) is the standard term.
Common Mistakes
3. the art, writing, and performance of plays and other dramatic works, considered
the art, writing, and performance of plays and other dramatic works, considered as a form of entertainment, a profession, or an academic subject
Min has studied theatre at university for three years and hopes to become a director.
study theatre — academic discipline
Modern British theatre often explores social issues through experimental plays.
Adisa's love of theatre began when he saw a Shakespeare play in primary school.
The city has a lively theatre scene, with dozens of small groups performing every week.
theatre scene — the network of theatre activity in a place
After graduation, Eli joined a local theatre group that performs at community centres.
- study theatre
- modern theatre
- theatre company
- theatre scene
- theatre production
- in theatre
- drama
more specific to acting and playwriting, often as a school subject
- performing arts
a broader category that includes theatre, dance, and music
Grammar Patterns
theatre as a subject/field
in theatre
Usage Note
This sense is uncountable and refers to the art form or profession, not to a physical building. It is commonly used in phrases like 'a career in theatre' or 'theatre studies'.
Common Mistakes
4. behaviour that is exaggerated or not sincere, done mainly to attract attention o
behaviour that is exaggerated or not sincere, done mainly to attract attention or create a strong impression rather than to express genuine emotion
Eli burst into tears over the small criticism, but everyone knew it was pure theatre.
pure theatre — exaggerated, insincere behaviour
His speech about leaving the company was all theatre — he had no plan to resign.
all theatre — completely insincere
There was no need for all that theatre; a short explanation would have been enough.
Min made a loud display of pure theatre that embarrassed everyone at the table.
display of theatre — showing off for effect
- pure theatre
- all theatre
- just theatre
- all that theatre
- drama
similar meaning of exaggerated behaviour but can be neutral or positive
- showmanship
theatrical flair, often positive or admiring
- sincerity
genuine, honest behaviour without pretence
Grammar Patterns
pure theatre
all theatre
Usage Note
This sense is uncountable and usually carries a critical or dismissive tone. It describes behaviour the speaker considers fake or overly dramatic for effect. Common in informal British English.
Common Mistakes
5. a large region or area where military forces are engaged in active fighting duri
a large region or area where military forces are engaged in active fighting during a war or conflict
Soldiers were sent to the Pacific theatre of operations during the Second World War.
theatre of operations — military area of conflict
The general was given command of all ground forces in the European theatre.
Supplies and reinforcements were slowly moved towards the main theatre of war.
theatre of war — the war zone
The conflict soon spread beyond the original theatre, drawing neighbouring countries into the fighting.
- theatre of war
- theatre of operations
- Pacific theatre
- European theatre
- main theatre
- war zone
a more general term for an area affected by war
- battlefield
a smaller, more specific location where fighting occurs
Grammar Patterns
theatre of war
theatre of operations
Usage Note
Often appears in formal or historical writing about war, especially in fixed phrases like 'theatre of war' and 'theatre of operations'. In American English, the spelling is 'theater'.