spectator

noun

spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtā-tər 

spek-ˈtā-

1

: one who looks on or watches

2

: a shoe having contrasting colors with a perforated design at the toe and sometimes heel

spectator adjective

spectatorial

ˌspek-tə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

spectatorship

ˈspek-ˌtā-tər-ˌship 

spek-ˈtā-

noun

Synonyms of spectator

• observer
• viewer

Examples of spectator in a Sentence

The spectators lining the road cheered the racers on.

The accident attracted a large crowd of spectators.

I wasn't a participant in the preparations, merely a spectator.

Recent Examples on the Web

Shakespeare shouldn’t feel intimidating—historically, his plays were loud and chaotic, with drunk spectators and prostitutes in the audience. —Ben Croll, Variety, 15 Jan. 2026

The stadium will accommodate approximately 80,000 spectators per game. —Eric Prisbell, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026

Thousands of spectators will line up to see drumlines, dancing, community organizations, music, art and more. —Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Jan. 2026

Countdown to Cortina For the Olympic games spectator decamping to the Dolomites, neutral colors and rich materials are the way to go. —Kerry Pieri, Vogue, 15 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from spectare to watch

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spectator

• spectator sport

Kids Definition

spectator

noun

spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtāt-ər 

spek-ˈtāt-

: a person who looks on (as at a sports event)

spectator adjective