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."
"Thousands of fans streamed into the arena an hour before the concert began."
"The ice hockey team practises in the local arena every Tuesday evening."
2
A particular field of activity, competition, or debate.
"She has become a major player in the political arena."
"Many small firms are now entering the arena of online shopping."
"Education has become a hotly contested arena for new ideas."
How to use arena
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA venue for events, or, figuratively, an area of competition or debate.
Common pairings
sports arena
political arena
enter the arena
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like arena.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- arenas, arenae, arenæ
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.
Synonyms
View more →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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include arena:
