arena

Everyday

1. An arena is a big building or space with seats all around, where people watch sports, concerts or shows. tree →
2. In ancient Rome, the arena was the sandy area where gladiators fought. tree →
3. An arena can also mean an area of activity where people compete, as in «the political arena». tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons on the Romans and the Colosseum; in everyday life, concerts and ice hockey at the arena; in news, «the political arena»; phrases: sports arena, enter the arena.

Examples

• We saw a concert at the big arena. tree →
• Gladiators fought in the arena of the Colosseum. tree →
• The ice hockey arena was full of cheering fans. tree →
• Thousands of people filled the arena. tree →
• She entered the political arena when she became a mayor. tree →
• The horse show was held in an indoor arena. tree →

Note

Countable. Uses «an» (an arena). From Latin for «sand», because Roman arenas were covered with sand.