arena

noun

are·​na ə-ˈrē-nə How to pronounce arena (audio)
Synonyms of arena
1
: an area in a Roman amphitheater for gladiatorial combats
2
a
: an enclosed area used for public entertainment
b
: a building containing an arena
3
a
: a sphere of interest, activity, or competition
the political arena
b
: a place or situation for controversy
in the public arena

Synonyms of arena

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Examples of arena in a Sentence

Congress became an arena of opposing views. the toughest political arena in the world The economic arena has been dominated by that country.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Welts, 73, is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and has led the team through recent developments, from executive leadership changes to advancing the Mavericks' long-term arena and development strategy. — Matthew Ablon, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 As the competition unfolds, Haymitch risks everything to take down the Games from within the arena — setting in motion the rebellion that will change Panem forever. — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026 In its announcement, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the opportunity to keep the game in the larger arena. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 The New York Liberty and the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets have the same owners and share the same arena, so no big deal. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for arena

Word History

Etymology

Latin harena, arena sand, sandy place

First Known Use

1600, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of arena was in 1600

Phrases Containing arena

Rhymes for arena

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Cite this Entry

“Arena.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arena. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

arena

noun
are·​na ə-ˈrē-nə How to pronounce arena (audio)
1
: an enclosed area used for public entertainment
2
: a building containing an arena
3
: a field of activity
the political arena
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