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

Those reflections gave emotional ballast to the high-gloss production designed for spectacle on Las Vegas’ most storied stage, which Adele, Cher, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion have graced. —Melinda Sheckells, Billboard, 31 Dec. 2025

The Savannah Bananas are the flagship team of Banana Ball, a league founded in 2023 that reimagines baseball as a high-energy, fan-first spectacle. —Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 31 Dec. 2025

The spectacle came two weeks after an antisemitic attack at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney left 15 people dead and dozens injured. —Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 31 Dec. 2025

The country’s biggest entertainment spectacle, watched by 127 million last year, will only be one-upped by the FIFA World Cup, the world’s most popular tournament paying a visit a few months later, making for an unprecedented upcoming year of sporting events in the Bay Area — or anywhere. —Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 30 Dec. 2025

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