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Definition of spectacle
1a : something exhibited to view as unusual, notable, or entertaining; especially : an eye-catching or dramatic public displayb : 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
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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
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Police say the vehicles used in such spectacles are often stolen, from private owners and shops.
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When the space weather is just right, one of nature’s grandest spectacles unfolds over Earth’s poles.
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The Tide hasn't participated in the spectacle of March Madness since 2012, when Releford was manning the point.
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Luckily, the food has become part of the spectacle.
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The spectacle of clones interacting and getting to know one another (who could forget that amazingly silly clone dance party?) was arguably the heart of the series.
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Helena, Mont. (AP) -- Congressman-elect Greg Gianforte avoided jail time after pleading guilty Monday to an election-eve assault on a reporter that turned the race for Montana's lone U.S. House seat into a full-fledged political spectacle.
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If the rest of the fest is about spectacle, Dr Greenwood’s research is the opposite, focused on what can’t be seen.
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A single performance’s many ingredients—the acrobatics skills, the entrance, the costume, the music, the drama—all contribute to the spectacle.
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
SPECTACLE Defined for English Language Learners
spectacle
playDefinition of spectacle for English Language Learners
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: a very impressive show
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: something that attracts attention because it is very unusual or very shocking
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spectacles : a pair of lenses set into a frame and worn over the eyes
SPECTACLE Defined for Kids
Learn More about spectacle
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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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