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

• circus
• extravaganza
• pageant
• raree-show
• spectacular

Example Sentences

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

Fans freaked out over its bombastic spectacle, including scenes of wild fighting and dancing. —Ashley Wong, WSJ, 11 Jan. 2023

After a dayslong spectacle over the House speakership, the 118th Congress is underway, with Republicans controlling the House and Democrats holding the Senate. —Luke Broadwater, New York Times, 11 Jan. 2023

Football is America's spectacle, the entertainment gift that keeps on giving. —Nate Atkins, The Indianapolis Star, 9 Jan. 2023

The public spectacle around Cyberpunk 2077's launch debacle, and the public statements from the company about its failures to recognize problems or inform customers, made an investor suit a near inevitability. —Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 5 Jan. 2023

The celebs are thus here to provide spectacle, joy, beauty, glamour, kitsch, and maybe even outfit inspo. —Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Dec. 2022

But the difference between spectacle and spark, self-seriousness and serious entertainment, has never been more glaring. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2022

The latest thing to go down during his show in São Paolo, Brazil, on December 13, was a spectacle nobody saw coming — not even the Harry's House crooner. —Samantha Olson, Seventeen, 14 Dec. 2022

The story, the spectacle, the spirituality, the beauty - this is moviemaking & storytelling at its absolute finest. —Lauren Huff, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2022

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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

• make a spectacle of oneself

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