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

• 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

Wednesday’s match against PSV was watched by just 370 spectators. —Asif Burhan, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025

The cruise begins As the cars headed to Robert's house, there were many spectators throughout the city taking photos and waving at the convoy. —Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2025

Done for the day as a spectator and still hungry? —Cathy Erway, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Aug. 2025

Everyone from their offspring to co-workers to hapless counselors are reduced to spectators. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 27 Aug. 2025

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