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Arena vs Circus - What's the difference?

arena | circus | Synonyms |

In historical terms the difference between arena and circus

is that arena is the sand-covered centre of an amphitheatre where contests were held in Ancient Rome while circus is in the ancient Roman Empire, a building for chariot racing.

As nouns the difference between arena and circus

is that arena is an enclosed area, often outdoor, for the presentation of sporting events (sports arena) or other spectacular events; earthen area, often oval, specifically for rodeos (N. America) or circular area for bullfights (especially Hispanic America) while circus is a traveling company of performers that may include acrobats, clowns, trained animals, and other novelty acts, that gives shows usually in a circular tent.

arena

English

Noun

  • An enclosed area, often outdoor, for the presentation of sporting events (sports arena) or other spectacular events; earthen area, often oval, specifically for rodeos (N. America) or circular area for bullfights (especially Hispanic America).
    • A large crowd filled the seats of the arena .
  • The building housing such an area.
    • The arena is grey with white beams.
  • (historical) The sand-covered centre of an amphitheatre where contests were held in Ancient Rome.
    • The gladiators entered the arena .
  • A realm in which important events unfold.
    • The company was a player in the maritime insurance arena .

    Anagrams

    * ----

    circus

    English

    (circus)

    Noun

    (es)
  • A traveling company of performers that may include acrobats, clowns, trained animals, and other novelty acts, that gives shows usually in a circular tent.
    • The circus will be in town next week.
  • A round open space in a town or city where multiple streets meet.
    • Oxford Circus in London is at the north end of Regent Street.
  • (historical) In the ancient Roman Empire, a building for chariot racing.
  • (military, World War II) A code name for bomber attacks with fighter escorts in the day time. The attacks were against short-range targets with the intention of occupying enemy fighters and keeping their fighter units in the area concerned.
  • * RAF Web - Air of Authority
    • ... the squadron (No. 452) moved to Kenley in July 1941 and took part in the usual round of Circus , Rhubarb and Ramrod missions.
  • (obsolete) Circuit; space; enclosure.
    • The narrow circus of my dungeon wall. — Byron.

    Derived terms

    * media circus * three-ring circus

    Coordinate terms

    * (open space) (l)

    Related terms

    * circular * circle

    References

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