spectacle

noun spec·ta·cle \ ˈspek-ti-kəl also -ˌti-kəl \

|Updated on: 6 Aug 2018

Definition of spectacle

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 plural : glasses

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

See spectacle defined for English-language learners

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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 of spectacle from the Web

The difficulty of organizing such a spectacle was something understood firsthand by Los Angeles resident Krystl Valencia.

— andrew j. campa, latimes.com, "Crescenta Valley fireworks event brings families together," 6 July 2018
At times, the spectacle would be funny if this matter weren’t so serious.

— scot lehigh, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump voters must protest his border outrage," 21 June 2018
But that leads to the second reason why this sad spectacle is so politically damaging for him.

— howard kurtz, Fox News, "Trump losing GOP and media allies in outcry over separating immigrant families," 19 June 2018
The Friday morning spectacle was, was something to behold.

— NBC News, "Meet the Press - June 17, 2018," 17 June 2018
As if that spectacle wasn't enough, Will, Kate, George, and Charlotte were out and about again on Sunday in Gloucester for a royal polo match.

— kayla keegan, Good Housekeeping, "Kate Middleton Had a Blast With George and Charlotte at a Royal Polo Match This Weekend," 11 June 2018
Students and alumni know the spectacle is a strange one.

— marissa j. lang, Washington Post, "‘Plebes no more’: After 2 hours 9 minutes, Naval Academy freshmen conquer greased monument," 21 May 2018
The spectacle was full of surprises, lots of music, dancing and special guests.

— suzette fernandez, Billboard, "Maluma Brings Out Jason Derulo, P. Diddy, Marc Anthony & More in Miami: See the Best Moments," 20 May 2018
The entire spectacle of a royal wedding, and the very existence of a royal family, is deeply silly.

— jill filipovic, Teen Vogue, "Meghan Markle’s Royal Wedding Is Not Your Average Disney Princess Fantasy," 19 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spectacle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.