spectator

noun

spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtā-tər 

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

ˌspek-tə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

spectatorship

ˈspek-ˌtā-tər-ˌship 

spek-ˈtā-

noun

Synonyms of spectator

• observer
• viewer

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

Laserstein shows herself at work, gazing out at the spectator, her model peering thoughtfully over her shoulder, a collaborative force in the artwork rather than its passive object. — Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026

The demonstration drew verbal and physical backlash from other spectators, prompting Providence Park security to remove Lane and the rest of the group. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026

After his run, Pinheiro Braathen blew a kiss to the crowd, which featured a small group of spectators waving Brazilian flags. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Paris Opera Ballet star Hugo Marchand has principles as strong as his mighty 6 foot, 4 inch frame, believing that dance offers a path to healing, feeling and social change — for practitioners and spectators alike. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from spectare to watch

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spectator

• spectator sport

Kids Definition

spectator

noun

spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtāt-ər 

spek-ˈtāt-

: a person who looks on (as at a sports event)

spectator adjective