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noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

arena

uh-REE-nuh

Arena (noun) means a large enclosed space used for sports, concerts, or other public events. Example: “The band played to a sold-out arena.”

noun
1
A large enclosed space used for sports, concerts, or other public events.
"The band played to a sold-out arena."
2
A particular field of activity, competition, or debate.
"She has become a major player in the political arena."

How to Use Arena

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA venue for events, or, figuratively, an area of competition or debate.

Common pairings
sports arena political arena enter the arena

Word Forms

arenas plural, arenae plural, arenæ plural

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Test yourself on “arena” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The band played to a sold-out _____.

Etymology

From Latin arena, "sand" — the sand-covered floor of Roman amphitheatres where gladiators fought.

Origin: Latin

Related Words

Rhymes for arena

See all rhymes for arena →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “arena” mean?

The word “arena” means a large enclosed space used for sports, concerts, or other public events. In plain terms, a venue for events, or, figuratively, an area of competition or debate.

How do you pronounce “arena”?

“Arena” is pronounced uh-REE-nuh (/əˈɹiːnə/ in IPA).

How do you use “arena” in a sentence?

Here is “arena” used in a sentence: “The band played to a sold-out arena.”

What part of speech is “arena”?

“Arena” is a noun.

Where does the word “arena” come from?

The word “arena” comes from Latin. From Latin arena, "sand" — the sand-covered floor of Roman amphitheatres where gladiators fought.

Is “arena” a common word?

“Arena” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “arena” have?

“Arena” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large enclosed space used for sports, concerts, or other public events.

What is the difference between an "arena" and a "stadium"?

An arena is typically an enclosed space, often indoor, with seating surrounding a central floor used for sports, concerts, or events. A stadium is usually larger and open-air, built mainly for field sports such as football or athletics.

What is the difference between an "arena" and an "auditorium"?

An arena has a central performance or playing area surrounded on most or all sides by seating, suited to sports and large concerts. An auditorium is a hall where the audience faces a single stage, designed mainly for lectures, plays, and performances.

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