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

One kind and patient spectator conscripted to play the school counselor had to remove her shoe to improvise a sock puppet, one of the tools of her empathetic practice. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Chicago will continue its decades-long tradition of dyeing the river green, attracting thousands upon thousands of spectators. —Hannah Hudnall, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026

Bridges will be closed to spectators during river dyeing except for Orleans Street and Columbus and LaSalle drives, which will remain open to vehicles and pedestrians. —Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026

The spectators in the ballroom included Gavitt’s fellow committee members. —Bill Hancock, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 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