'amphitheater' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'amphitheatron,' where 'amphi-' meant 'on both sides' and 'theatron' meant 'place for viewing.'

'amphitheatron' transformed into the Latin word 'amphitheatrum,' and eventually became the modern English word 'amphitheater' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'a place for viewing on both sides,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.