{ Am`phi*the"a*ter, Am`phi*the"a*tre, } (&?;), n. [L. amphitheatrum, fr. Gr. &?;; &?; + &?; theater: cf. F. amphithéâtre. See Theater.] 1. An oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats about an open space called the arena.

&fist; The Romans first constructed amphitheaters for combats of gladiators and wild beasts.

2. Anything resembling an amphitheater in form; as, a level surrounded by rising slopes or hills, or a rising gallery in a theater.

• A round or oval theatre, especially one from the classical period of ancient Rome.