Colosseum

[kol-uh-see-uhm]

noun

1. an ancient amphitheater in Rome, begun a.d. c70 by Vespasian, having the form of an oval 617 by 512 feet (188 by 156 meters).

2. (lowercase),  coliseum.

Colosseum

¹

/ ˌkɒləˈsɪəm /

noun

1. an amphitheatre in Rome built about 75–80 _ad

colosseum

²

/ ˌkɒləˈsɪəm /

noun

1. a variant spelling of coliseum

Colosseum

1. A great arena of ancient Rome, which seated fifty thousand. It is in ruins today, but its former glory can still be imagined.

According to tradition, persecuted Christians (see also Christian) were fed to lions in the Colosseum for the entertainment of the Romans. (See also bread and circuses.)

Some of the contests staged in the Colosseum were between gladiators, who fought with swords; some were between people and animals. The arena could even be flooded for mock sea battles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Colosseum¹

< Latin, noun use of neuter of colossēus gigantic < Greek kolossiaîos, equivalent to koloss ( ós ) colossus + -iaios adj. suffix

Example Sentences

The 18-show residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace was announced in February and kicked off on the Fourth of July.

From Los Angeles Times

An American, 47, reportedly tried to climb over a fence in Piazza del Colosseo, presumably to get a closer look at the Colosseum, before falling and impaling himself.

From Los Angeles Times

"I haven’t worked Vegas in years, and I’ve always loved singing there. I’m looking so forward to the shows in The Colosseum at Caesars, and I hope you are as well. See you there!"

From Salon

Lopez will play a dozen dates at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, starting Dec. 30 and spread out through March 28, in her “Up All Night” residency.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2021, two American men, ages 24 and 25, were fined approximately $900 each for breaking into the Colosseum before dawn to drink beers inside.

From Los Angeles Times