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

The parade covers more than 2 miles in Chicago’s Little Village, a hub of Mexican culture, and attracts some 400,000 participants and spectators. — Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 15 Sep. 2026

That Sunderland-Arsenal game was played at a physical intensity that was thrilling for spectators but which looked extremely difficult to referee, hence the number of grievances on both sides. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Trump’s surprise announcement was met with loud whistling and cheers from the crowd of spectators. — ABC News, 13 Sep. 2026

The royal household also remembered the late princess as someone who was passionate about athletics and a keen spectator of sporting events, including skiing. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 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