spectacle

noun

spec·​ta·​cle ˈspek-ti-kəl 

also -ˌti-kəl

1

a

: something exhibited to view as unusual, notable, or entertaining

especially : an eye-catching or dramatic public display

b

: an object of curiosity or contempt

made a spectacle of herself

2

spectacles ˈspek-ti-kəlz 

also -ˌti-kəlz

plural : a device used to correct defects of vision : glasses

3

: something (such as natural markings on an animal) suggesting a pair of glasses

Synonyms of spectacle

• pageant
• exhibit
• exhibition
• spectacular
• display
• extravaganza

Examples of spectacle in a Sentence

He peered through his spectacles.

the multimedia spectacles that have become established parts of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games

Recent Examples on the Web

The Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee hold the distinction of being one of the few places in the world where this spectacle occurs. —Usa Today Network, USA Today, 10 June 2026

Whether Washington's political class loves it or hates it, the White House lawn is about to host one of the wildest sports spectacles in American history. —Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026

And there was a true sense of spectacle as lights illuminated different parts of Sagrada Família at one point during the ceremony and drones formed an image of Gaudí in the sky beside it. —Claudio Lavanga, NBC news, 10 June 2026

Let the spectacle blanket the rough edges of your daily grind. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 10 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin spectaculum, from spectare to watch, frequentative of specere to look, look at — more at spy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing spectacle

• make a spectacle of oneself

Rhymes for spectacle

• dialectical

Kids Definition

spectacle

noun

spec·​ta·​cle ˈspek-ti-kəl 

1

a

: an unusual or impressive public display

b

: an object of curious or annoyed attention

made a spectacle of yourself at the party

2

plural : glass entry 1 sense 2b

Etymology

Middle English spectacle "spectacle," from early French spectacle (same meaning), from Latin spectaculum (same meaning), from spectare "to watch," from specere "to look, look at" — related to auspice, expect