spectator

noun

spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtā-tər How to pronounce spectator (audio)
spek-ˈtā-
Synonyms of spectatornext
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.
The last time Italy hosted the Winter Games, in Turin 2006, spectators buzzed about the medals ceremony each day in the center of the city, which became a focal point of the Olympic spirit. Colleen Barry, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026 Among the interested spectators in attendance was Teodecki's dad, Steve, who knows a little bit about Penn football. Rick Cantu, Austin American Statesman, 4 Feb. 2026 The company offers its virtual photo finish, by contrast, as a visualization tool for spectators and commentators. Maurizio Arseni, IEEE Spectrum, 4 Feb. 2026 The ceremony has been designed around the idea of armonia, or harmony, which organizers say represents both movement in sports and a sense of inclusion as athletes and spectators from around the world gather for the Games. Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 4 Feb. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectator. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster