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

How Charlotte got the MLS All-Star Game Charlotte FC first began MLS play in 2022, arriving before 74,479 spectators in its inaugural home match at Bank of America Stadium. — Kamran Nia july 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

When 80,000 spectators left a stadium or tens of thousands spilled out of public FanFests, the World Cup economy migrated straight into local hospitality. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

The stadium would play host to at least three national pickleball tournaments a year, which Shalabi predicted would bring between 15,000 and 20,000 players and spectators at a time. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026

Duels, the second format, are staged in an open arena between rooms, built as spectator moments. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 22 July 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