colosseum

noun

col·​os·​se·​um ˌkä-lə-ˈsē-əm How to pronounce colosseum (audio)
Synonyms of colosseumnext
1
Colosseum : an amphitheater built in Rome in the first century a.d.
2
: coliseum sense 2

Synonyms of colosseum

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Examples of colosseum in a Sentence

run 10 laps around the colosseum
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.
Their fight scene, set in Rome's Colosseum, is one of the most famous martial arts screen fights and the rare screen battle that Norris lost (broken neck). — Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026 But this was Turkey, with its rich layers of history, and there were colosseums and temples to Apollo and Artemis to visit — and more wines to drink — in the week to come. — Betsy Andrews, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2025 One of the largest Nazi projects still standing, the sprawling, colosseum-style compound was immortalized in Leni Riefenstahl’s propaganda films. — Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2025 The arena of Roland-Garros with its natural red clay evokes a colosseum, and Rafa played the game with the ferocity of a tiger unleashed upon a sandaled opponent. — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 28 May 2026 Draped in flowy silk capes and adorned with rattling, chunky gold, and silver rings, Denzel Washington embodies the flashiest villain and the colosseum’s bullpen organizer, Macrinus. — Malik Peay, Essence, 3 Dec. 2024 In recent years, tourists have been arrested for driving e-scooters and a Maserati down the Spanish Steps, carving initials into the Roman colosseum, and riding a moped into the ancient ruins of Pompeii. — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 23 May 2025 Visits include the Kerkennah Islands and the largest colosseum in North Africa, with a total solar eclipse visible for 5 minutes, 40 seconds from Chaffar Beach. — Jamie Carter, Space.com, 19 July 2025 Additionally, event host the National Association of Theater Owners has confirmed that Sony Pictures is returning to the main stage lineup in Caesars’ Colosseum after dropping out last year. — Carolyn Giardina, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Latin, neuter of colosseus colossal, from colossus

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of colosseum was in 1809

Rhymes for colosseum

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Browse Nearby Words

colossal squid
colosseum
Colossian
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Cite this Entry

“Colosseum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/colosseum. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

colosseum

noun
col·​os·​se·​um ˌkäl-ə-ˈsē-əm How to pronounce colosseum (audio)
1
capitalized : an outdoor arena built in Rome in the first century a.d.
2
: coliseum
Etymology

Latin, from colosseus "colossal," derived from colossus "colossus"

More from Merriam-Webster on colosseum

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about colosseum

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