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

Aachen and Spruce Meadows are both on grass, in vast arenas with tens of thousands of spectators, which benefits experienced horses with a big pair of lungs and a calm demeanor. —Danielle Rossingh, New York Times, 27 May 2026

While the canopy should protect the fighters and many spectators from rain, lightning within eight miles of the South Lawn requires a 30-minute evacuation. —Sean Gregory, Time, 26 May 2026

Trump has said an additional 75,000-100,000 spectators can watch the UFC event for free on large screens further away from the White House Ellipse. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 26 May 2026

More than 3,700 spectators unknowingly became witnesses to the nine couples' ceremonies, which were either weddings or vow renewals. —Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 25 May 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