Theatre
Pronunciation
- US IPA: /ˈθi(É™)təɹ/, /ˈθiËtəɹ/
- UK IPA: /ˈθɪ.ə.tə(ɹ)/, /ˈθɪ.æ.tə(ɹ)/
- Canada IPA: /ˈθi.eɪ.təɹ/
Origin
From French théâtre.
Full definition of theatre
Noun
theatre
(plural theatres)- (Australia, Canada, NZ, UK) Alternative spelling of theater
- 1922, Ben Travers, A Cuckoo in the Nest Chapter 2, Mother...considered that the exclusiveness of Peter's circle was due not to its distinction, but to the fact that it was an inner Babylon of prodigality and whoredom, from which every Kensingtonian held aloof, except on the conventional tip-and-run excursions in pursuit of shopping, tea and theatres.
- 2012, May 13, Phil McNulty, Man City 3-2 QPR, City's players and supporters travelled from one end of the emotional scale to the other in those vital seconds, providing a truly remarkable piece of football theatre and the most dramatic conclusion to a season in Premier League history.
- (US) Often used specifically of playhouses and drama, so as to distinguish from moviehouses and cinema.
Usage notes
The spelling theatre is the main spelling in Commonwealth English, with theater being rare.
The spelling theater is the predominant American spelling; it accounts for about 80% of usage in COCA (the major corpus of American English). People who work in the theatre industry in America, however, usually use the spelling "theatre". The spelling is also used often in advertising.