spectacle

noun

spec·ta·cle | \ ˈspek-ti-kəl

also -ˌti-kəl \

Definition of spectacle

1a : 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 Example Sentences Learn More About spectacle

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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 on the Web Early last year we were treated to the delightful spectacle of Montana’s Glacier National Park removing signs that said its glaciers would be gone by 2020. — Gary Saul Morson, WSJ, 11 Oct. 2021 De Blasio, who was already being treated to the spectacle of the ongoing public humiliation of his longtime nemesis in Albany, was now flush with cash to finally make good on his pledge to unify the two New Yorks. — New York Times, 8 June 2021 The Indy 500 will draw another public figure to its spectacle Sunday: former Vice President Mike Pence. — Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 28 May 2021 But behold the residue: Warriors vs. Lakers at Staples Center Wednesday night, with a national television audience riveted to the spectacle. — San Francisco Chronicle, 16 May 2021 Very little is known about the plot, which in many ways seems secondary to the spectacle. — NBC News, 14 May 2021 Adding to the dysfunctional spectacle, the government is facing a deadline to fund its operations. — Frida Ghitis, CNN, 24 Sep. 2021 Amid breathless press coverage of the event, journalists struggled to find the right words—and not just because the spectacle of spaceflight often defies description. — Scientific American, 23 Sep. 2021 Shang-Chi is filled with all manner of action scenes, from shorter moments and fast shots to extended spectacle. — Mark Hughes, Forbes, 8 Sep. 2021

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.