'theatre' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'theatron,' where 'thea' meant 'view' and '-tron' was a suffix indicating a place.

'theatron' transformed into the Latin word 'theatrum,' and eventually became the modern English word 'theatre' through Old French 'theatre.'

Initially, it meant 'a place for viewing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a place for performances.'