Dictionary
1theatrical
adjective the·at·ri·cal \thē-ˈa-tri-kəl\
: of or relating to the theater
: behaving or done in a way that is meant to attract attention and that is often not genuine or sincere
Full Definition of THEATRICAL
1
: of or relating to the theater or the presentation of plays <a theatrical costume>
2
: marked by pretense or artificiality of emotion
3
a : histrionic <a theatrical gesture> b : marked by extravagant display or exhibitionism
— the·at·ri·cal·ism \-kə-ˌli-zəm\ noun
— the·at·ri·cal·i·ty \-ˌa-trə-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun
— the·at·ri·cal·ly \-ˈa-tri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
See theatrical defined for English-language learners
See theatrical defined for kids
Variants of THEATRICAL
the·at·ri·cal also the·at·ric \-trik\
ADVERTISEMENT
First Known Use of THEATRICAL
1558
Related to THEATRICAL
- Synonyms
- dramatic, hammy, histrionic, melodramatic, stagy (or stagey)
- Antonyms
- undramatic
Synonym Discussion of THEATRICAL
dramatic, theatrical, histrionic, melodramatic mean having a character or an effect like that of acted plays. dramatic applies to situations in life and literature that stir the imagination and emotions deeply <a dramatic meeting of world leaders>. theatrical implies a crude appeal through artificiality or exaggeration in gesture or vocal expression <a theatrical oration>. histrionic applies to tones, gestures, and motions and suggests a deliberate affectation or staginess <a histrionic show of grief>. melodramatic suggests an exaggerated emotionalism or an inappropriate theatricalism <made a melodramatic plea>.
Other Performing Arts Terms
2theatrical
noun
Definition of THEATRICAL
1
2
British : a professional actor
3
plural : showy or extravagant gestures
First Known Use of THEATRICAL
circa 1683
Other Performing Arts Terms
THEATRICAL Defined for Kids
theatrical
adjective the·at·ri·cal \thē-ˈa-tri-kəl\
Definition of THEATRICAL for Kids
: for or relating to the presentation of plays <a theatrical production> <theatrical costumes>
Learn More About THEATRICAL
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: theatrical gauzePrevious Word in the Dictionary: theatre sisterAll Words Near: theatrical
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up theatrical? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).