hippodrome
/'hipədroum/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A stadium or large arena for horse shows or horse races: This is the primary and most common meaning. It refers to a large, often oval-shaped, venue specifically designed for equestrian events. 2. (Historical) An ancient Greek or Roman stadium for chariot races and horse races: This meaning refers to the original, classical structures from antiquity. 3. (By extension, sometimes capitalized) A theater or arena for other spectacles: In modern usage, the name "Hippodrome" is sometimes used for theaters or venues hosting circus performances, concerts, or other large shows, drawing on the historical association with public entertainment.
Examples
- The city's famous hippodrome hosts the national equestrian championships every summer.
- In ancient Constantinople, the Hippodrome was the center of social and political life, famous for its chariot races.
- We saw a fantastic musical at the London Hippodrome.
Advanced Usage
- "The Hippodrome" as a proper noun: Many specific venues around the world are named "The Hippodrome." When capitalized, it almost always refers to a specific building's name.
- Tickets for the concert at the Bristol Hippodrome sold out in minutes.
Variants and Related Words
- Hippodromic (adjective): Relating to a hippodrome. (This is a rare, technical term).
- Circus: While a "circus" is for performances, the "Circus Maximus" in Rome was functionally a hippodrome for chariot racing. The words are historically linked through the concept of a circular arena for public games.
Synonyms
- Equestrian arena
- Racecourse (specifically for racing)
- Stadium (general term; a hippodrome is a type of stadium for horses)
Related Idioms or Phrases
- There are no common idioms using the word "hippodrome" itself. Its use is almost entirely literal, referring to the venue.
Noun
- a stadium for horse shows or horse races