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
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Another research project showed that negative spectator behaviors like swearing or threatening language was observed at 68% of events. Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026 Thousands of spectators set up early along the city streets, while hundreds more will spill out from the bars and restaurants lining the parade route. Katie Riley, Southern Living, 5 Mar. 2026 Trump was impressed—and, as one of his advisers put it, eager not to be a spectator to history. Eric Cortellessa, Time, 5 Mar. 2026 Eruptions were so regular and powerful—sometimes reaching 75 feet or more—that the National Park Service built a boardwalk around Echinus for spectators. Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 4 Mar. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Spectator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectator. Accessed 11 Mar. 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

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