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

The agency's traditional work method has long been to surveil, surround and make an arrest as quickly and quietly as possible – no spectators. —Lauren Villagran, USA Today, 13 Dec. 2025

And in doing so, Gunther often lulls crowds into becoming sporting event spectators rather than the raucous participators that most other wrestlers try to draw out of them. —Sean Neumann, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025

The overnight launch window opens shortly after midnight, providing dark skies for spectators in Arizona. —Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 9 Dec. 2025

For the event, spectator tickets of $750 included free concessions. —Charley Walters, Twin Cities, 6 Dec. 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