globe theatre: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal (academic/historical), Cultural
Quick answer
What does “globe theatre” mean?
A specific theatre in London, built in 1599, where many of William Shakespeare's plays were first performed.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific theatre in London, built in 1599, where many of William Shakespeare's plays were first performed.
The name or architectural style of theatres built in later periods, often modeled on the original's circular or polygonal shape with a thrust stage and open-air courtyard.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily a British cultural/historical term. In the UK, often simply 'the Globe' is understood to refer to Shakespeare's Globe in London. In the US, it is a more specific, learned term requiring context.
Connotations
UK: Strong cultural heritage, Shakespeare, Elizabethan England. US: More academic, a symbol of classical theatre history.
Frequency
Much more frequent in UK English due to the physical landmark's prominence and cultural education.
Grammar
How to Use “globe theatre” in a Sentence
[verb] at the Globe Theatre (perform, see, act)the Globe Theatre [verb] (burned down, opened, stood)a/the [modifier] Globe Theatre (reconstructed, modern, new)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “globe theatre” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Globe Theatre experience is unique.
- He studies Globe Theatre architecture.
American English
- She wrote a Globe Theatre-style play.
- It was a Globe Theatre reconstruction project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
In theatre history, the design and social function of the Globe Theatre are frequent subjects of study.
Everyday
We're going to see a play at the Globe Theatre when we visit London.
Technical
The Globe Theatre's thrust stage and 'heavens' created a specific actor-audience dynamic.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “globe theatre”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “globe theatre”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “globe theatre”
- Incorrect: 'the Globe Theater' (using US spelling for the proper name). Correct: 'the Globe Theatre' (UK spelling is standard). Incorrect: 'Globe Theatre was a cinema.' Correct: 'Globe Theatre was an open-air playhouse.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the original Globe Theatre (1599) burned down in 1613. The current Globe Theatre on London's South Bank is a modern reconstruction built near the original site and opened in 1997.
It was named after the figure of Hercules carrying the globe (world) on his back—a symbol of the acting company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men. The name also reflected the idea that the theatre represented the whole world of human experience.
The Globe was a large, polygonal, open-air playhouse with a thatched roof over the stage and galleries. Its most distinctive feature was the thrust stage that extended into the standing yard, allowing for intimate audience interaction.
Yes, the reconstructed Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London has a seasonal schedule of productions, primarily of Shakespeare's works and plays from his era, performed in a style that echoes original practices.
A specific theatre in London, built in 1599, where many of William Shakespeare's plays were first performed.
Globe theatre is usually formal (academic/historical), cultural in register.
Globe theatre: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡləʊb ˈθɪətə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡloʊb ˈθiːətər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “All the world's a stage, and the Globe Theatre was its model.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GLOBE (Earth) with a tiny stage on it. Shakespeare's plays were so famous they spread across the globe from this one THEATRE.
Conceptual Metaphor
THEATRE IS A WORLD / A MICROCOSM (as in Shakespeare's line 'All the world's a stage').
Practice
Quiz
What is the Globe Theatre most famous for?