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 designer brought together an A-list crowd for his spectacle of a New York Fashion Week show at the famed Plaza Hotel in Midtown Manhattan Thursday afternoon. — Anika Reed, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Though the adaptation softens Sophoclean ambiguity in favor of moral clarity, commanding performances and lush costumes, projections and Indigenous music create a gripping spectacle that renews the Getty’s classical theater tradition. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

But there is something healing about converting real-life tragedy into emotional spectacle. — Darren Franich, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026

For all the spectacle of its asymmetric attacks, Al Qaeda—and Islamist militancy more broadly—never had more than some tens of thousands of committed supporters worldwide. — Faisal Devji, Time, 11 Sep. 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