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

If anecdotal evidence is anything to go by, the tens of millions of viewers tuning into Fox every day for the soccer spectacle can be lumped into a single body, inasmuch as everybody—as in, like, everybody—seems to dislike Lalas … or at least the version of himself that he’s ginned up for TV. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 June 2026

For the past several years, Jack Schlossberg has operated in the public imagination in much the same manner as any online celebrity surfing the daily waves of spectacle and outrage. — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 24 June 2026

According to Blair, originality, practical filmmaking and emerging voices matter more than franchises and giant visual effects spectacles. — Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2026

Earlier this month, another Tennessee highway became the stage for an accidental spectacle when a brake fire on a trailer hauling fireworks ignited its cargo, causing bursts of colorful explosions on Interstate 75 near Chattanooga. — Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 23 June 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