Meaning and Origin
What does the name Arena mean? Keep reading to find the user submitted meanings, dictionary definitions, and more.
Origin and Meaning of Arena
User Submitted Origins
Latin
50%
Italian
22%
Islamic/Muslim
11%
Greek
6%
Arabic
6%
Spanish
6%
User Submitted Meanings
- A submission from New Jersey, U.S. says the name Arena means "Sand" and is of Italian origin.
International Interest
Also see international interest
Webster's Unabridged Dictionary
noun A*re"na
Senses
- [Rom. Antiq] The area in the central part of an amphitheater, in which the gladiators fought and other shows were exhibited; -- so called because it was covered with sand.
- Any place of public contest or exertion; any sphere of action; as, the arenaof debate; the arena of life.
- [Med] “Sand” or “gravel” in the kidneys.
Etymology: L. arena harena, sand, a sandy place
Other Dictionary Sources
- A playing field where sports events take place
- A large structure for open-air sports or entertainments
- The central area of an ancient Roman amphitheater where contests and spectacles were held; especially an area that was strewn with sand
- A particular environment or walk of life
Wiktionary
Borrowing from Latin arēna (“sand, arena”), from an earlier *hasēna (compare Sabine fasēna), possibly from Etruscan.
- 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 .
- 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 is grey with white beams.
- (historical) The sand-covered centre of an amphitheatre where contests were held in Ancient Rome.
- The gladiators entered the .
- A realm in which important events unfold.
- The company was a player in the maritime insurance .
arena was also found in the following language(s): Asturian, Italian, Latin, Neapolitan, Northern Sami, Norwegian Bokmål, Norwegian Nynorsk, Portuguese, Sardinian, Scots, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, and Swedish