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

Iñárritu doesn’t seem to be simply directing a star synonymous with spectacle but dropping him into a film that is decidedly actor driven, one with auteurist ambitions. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 Sep. 2026

Then Bottura started saucing it, slicing it and feeding event attendees who had gathered to watch the spectacle unfold. — Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

According to some scholarly media critics, the plethora of popular portrayals of polygamy in the FLDS and related groups transforms the subject into a sensationalist spectacle. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Sep. 2026

But the visual spectacle represents only part of lucha libre. — Kansas City Star, 22 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