arena

noun

1. 1

   An enclosed area, often outdoor, for the presentation of sporting events (sports arena) or other spectacular events; earthen area, often oval, specifically for rodeos (North America) or circular area for bullfights (especially Hispanic America).

   A large crowd filled the seats of the arena.

2. 2

   The building housing such an area; specifically, a very large, often round building, often topped with a dome, designated for indoor sporting or other major events, such as concerts.

   The arena is grey with white beams.

3. 3

   historicalThe sand-covered centre of an amphitheatre where contests were held in Ancient Rome.

   The gladiators entered the arena.

4. 4

   A realm in which events take place; an area of interest, study, behaviour, etc.

   The company was a player in the maritime insurance arena.

   But transects have also been utilised in a large variety of arenas, including surveying the contents of Amerindian earthen mounds, determining levels of anti-rabies vaccinations in village dogs, and examining ecological factors under the canopy of trees growing in agricultural areas.

   To Musk, his vast fortune is a mere side effect of his ability not just to see but to do things others cannot, in arenas where the stakes are existential.

Forms

plural

arenas, arenae