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

Cherki is visibly excited by his spectators, eager to show off his tricks, until a coach comes into frame on the YouTube video and tells them their fun is over. —Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025

Then a gunshot appeared to ring out, sending spectators running in the opposite direction. —Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Thousands of vehicles, manufacturers and spectators are on hand for the event each year. —Keenan Thompson, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

In the parade, more than 500 veterans plan to participate and spectators will see over 50 military vehicles. —Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 7 Nov. 2025

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