spectacular

1 of 2

adjective

spec·​tac·​u·​lar spek-ˈta-kyə-lər How to pronounce spectacular (audio)
spək-
: of, relating to, or being a spectacle : striking, sensational
a spectacular display of fireworks
spectacularly adverb

spectacular

2 of 2

noun

: something that is spectacular
especially : an elaborate film, television, or theatrical production

Examples of spectacular in a Sentence

Adjective a spectacular play in a football game The autumn foliage was spectacular. Noun the larger-than-life spectaculars that make Las Vegas attractive to people with little interest in gambling
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
But two of the endeavor’s most compelling aspects are difficult to convey in any individual image, no matter how spectacular: the sheer amount of data Rubin will produce and the speed with which those data will flood into astronomers’ work. Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 July 2025 No matter the season, there’s something spectacular to behold or enjoy in the Great White North. Tracy Scott Forson, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 July 2025
Noun
Other Native American tribes have called the lunar spectacular the Hot Moon and the Blooming Moon, to commemorate the spring season, and the Hatching Moon or Birth Moon to commemorate new life. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 5 June 2025 Disneyland's 70th celebrations began on Friday, May 16 and will continue through summer 2026 with new parades, nighttime spectaculars, decorations, merch and much more. Mackenzie Schmidt, People.com, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for spectacular

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin spectaculum

First Known Use

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectacular was in 1682

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectacular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacular. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

spectacular

adjective
spec·​tac·​u·​lar
spek-ˈtak-yə-lər,
spək-
: of, relating to, or being a spectacle : exciting to see : sensational
a spectacular sunset
spectacularly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on spectacular

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