spectacle

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

Updated on: 17 Apr 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

See spectacle defined for kids

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

And that collision, then, would hatch its own spectacle of shrapnel, which would join the rushing river of junk already circling the planet.

— amy webb, WIRED, "Space Oddities: We Need a Plan to Stop Polluting Space Before It’s Too Late," 12 Apr. 2018
The spectacle of this media attention can be dangerous: School shootings and suicides often happen in clusters, one inspiring another.

— elisa gabbert, New York Times, "What Separates Ordinary Bad News From True ‘Disaster’?," 10 Apr. 2018
The couturiers know that the added spectacle of an intimate salon is the hook-line-and-sinker icing on the moneymaking cake.

— nick remsen, Vogue, "At Dolce & Gabbana’s New York City Alta Sartoria Show, a Dazzling Display of Everything From Razor-Sharp Tailcoats to Louisville Sluggers," 8 Apr. 2018
The true spectacle was not the highly talented pole dancer, however, nor the feather bikini clad strippers, but Lisa, a very drunk, very exuberant hotel guest.

— gigi engle, Marie Claire, "I Went to a Romantic Nudist Couples Resort With My Sister," 6 Apr. 2018
In Jesus Christ Superstar Live, the spectacle was as simple and evocative as the shot of the back of the stage opening up, forming a cross made out of negative space, as Jesus’s cross floats back into the fog.

— constance grady, Vox, "Why Jesus Christ Superstar Live succeeded where other live TV musicals have failed," 2 Apr. 2018
The spectacle, as Owens' float swung onto Bourbon Street, was nothing short of, well, spectacular.

— doug maccash, NOLA.com, "Chris Owens' Easter Parade couldn't have been a sweeter scene," 1 Apr. 2018
As far as combustible elements go in concocting the ingredients for the beginning of an explosive footballing conflict, the spectacle was quite the fuel.

— SI.com, "World Cup Countdown: 13 Weeks to Go - When the Flame of England's Argentine Rivalry Was Lit in '66," 23 Mar. 2018
For progressives, the spectacle was thrilling, uplifting, and cathartic.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "On Guns, Liberals Are Flirting With the Politics of Fear. That’s Scary.," 22 Feb. 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.

Origin and Etymology of spectacle

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

spectacle Synonyms

Synonyms

eyeglasses, glass, specs;

Related Words

bifocals, half-glasses, trifocals;

sunglasses;

goggles;

contact lens;

SPECTACLE Defined for English Language Learners

spectacle

noun

Definition of spectacle for English Language Learners

: a very impressive show
: something that attracts attention because it is very unusual or very shocking
spectacles : a pair of lenses set into a frame and worn over the eyes

SPECTACLE Defined for Kids

spectacle

noun spec·ta·cle \ ˈspek-ti-kəl \

Definition of spectacle for Students

1 : an unusual or impressive public display (as a big parade)

2 spectacles plural : glass 3

3 : an object of curiosity or contempt

Don't make a spectacle of yourself!

Learn More about spectacle

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for spectacle Spanish Central: Translation of spectacle Nglish: Translation of spectacle for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of spectacle for Arabic speakers

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spectacle

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spectacle

Definition of spectacle for English Language Learners

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spectacle

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Definition of spectacle for English Language Learners

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