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

As marathoners zip by, spectators are invited to cheer, snap images for Instagrams and TikToks, and hang out with free coffee, water and croissants. —Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2026

The annual reveal in typically draws thousands of spectators. —David Matthews, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026

This week, global spectators read exhibits from a New York district court meant to bolster both sides in Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni for harassment and retaliation. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 22 Jan. 2026

The bullet mostly missed the politician, grazing his ear, but one spectator was killed and two others were injured. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 21 Jan. 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