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

Yet for a retailer built around spectacle and celebration, the association carries weight. —Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 12 Mar. 2026

The behemoth roadside spectacle also welcomes travelers with dozens of gas pumps, a grinning beaver mascot, and a country-store-feeling home section stocked with over-the-top souvenirs. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026

There was something about this book, the spectacle of it, the problem-solving, the relationship at the center. —Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 2026

If using Facebook is an online performance, Moltbook is an attempt at aggregating every social media user into a kind of meta-spectacle of socialization. —Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 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