spectator

noun

spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtā-tər How to pronounce spectator (audio)
spek-ˈtā-
1
: one who looks on or watches
2
: a shoe having contrasting colors with a perforated design at the toe and sometimes heel
spectator adjective
spectatorial adjective
spectatorship noun

Examples of spectator in a Sentence

The spectators lining the road cheered the racers on. The accident attracted a large crowd of spectators. I wasn't a participant in the preparations, merely a spectator.
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.
With over a million spectators in 2024, the US Open is one of the most eagerly anticipated and feverishly attended sporting events in New York City. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 22 Aug. 2025 No one was killed, but more than 100 spectators were hurt, some seriously. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 21 Aug. 2025 The venue was packed with spectators who laughed, clapped and rooted for the robot athletes as the games kicked off Friday. Janis MacKey Frayer, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2025 Tucked in the Northwest suburbs of Baltimore, a new-look Caves Valley welcomed the sport’s top 49 players and thousands of spectators, including local sports icons such as former Ravens offensive lineman and Pro Football Hall of Famer Jonathan Ogden and 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps. Josh Tolentino, Baltimore Sun, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spectator

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from spectare to watch

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectator was circa 1586

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Cite this Entry

“Spectator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectator. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

spectator

noun
spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtāt-ər How to pronounce spectator (audio)
spek-ˈtāt-
: a person who looks on (as at a sports event)
spectator adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on spectator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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