{ The"a*ter, The"a*tre } (?), n. [F. théâtre, L. theatrum, Gr. &?;, fr. &?; to see, view; cf. Skr. dhyā to meditate, think. Cf. Theory.] 1. An edifice in which dramatic performances or spectacles are exhibited for the amusement of spectators; anciently uncovered, except the stage, but in modern times roofed.

2. Any room adapted to the exhibition of any performances before an assembly, as public lectures, scholastic exercises, anatomical demonstrations, surgical operations, etc.

3. That which resembles a theater in form, use, or the like; a place rising by steps or gradations, like the seats of a theater. Burns.

Shade above shade, a woody theater
Of stateliest view.

4. A sphere or scheme of operation. [Obs.]

For if a man can be partaker of God's theater, he shall likewise be partaker of God's rest.

5. A place or region where great events are enacted; as, the theater of war.

{ The"a*ter, The"a*tre } (?), n. [F. théâtre, L. theatrum, Gr. &?;, fr. &?; to see, view; cf. Skr. dhyā to meditate, think. Cf. Theory.] 1. An edifice in which dramatic performances or spectacles are exhibited for the amusement of spectators; anciently uncovered, except the stage, but in modern times roofed.

2. Any room adapted to the exhibition of any performances before an assembly, as public lectures, scholastic exercises, anatomical demonstrations, surgical operations, etc.

3. That which resembles a theater in form, use, or the like; a place rising by steps or gradations, like the seats of a theater. Burns.

Shade above shade, a woody theater
Of stateliest view.

4. A sphere or scheme of operation. [Obs.]

For if a man can be partaker of God's theater, he shall likewise be partaker of God's rest.

5. A place or region where great events are enacted; as, the theater of war.

• a live performance or the production thereof.
        We are going to see the theatre tonight.
  
• a place or building, consisting of a stage and seating, in which an audience gathers to watch plays, movies, speechs or other public ceremonies.
        "The theatre is not merely the meeting place of all the arts, it is also the return of art to life." - (w:Oscar Wilde)
  
• a region and time of major historical significance, usually regarding warfare.
        His grandfather was in the Pacific theatre during the war.