'coliseum-esque' is a Modern English formation combining 'coliseum' (from Latin 'Colosseum') and the suffix '-esque' (from French '-esque', ultimately from Italian '-esco').

'Coliseum' entered English from Latin 'Colosseum', itself from the Greek 'Kolossos' (referring to a large statue and, by extension, the Colosseum in Rome). The suffix '-esque' came into English via French '-esque' (from Italian '-esco') and was productive in forming adjectives meaning 'in the style of' or 'resembling'. These elements were combined in modern English to form 'coliseum-esque'.

Initially elements referred specifically to the Roman Colosseum and a stylistic suffix meaning 'in the manner of'; together they now mean 'resembling or suggestive of a coliseum', often extended metaphorically to describe grand, arena-like or spectacular situations.