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

• 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

While playing with Lowry in the first match of the Saturday afternoon session at Bethpage Black, McIlroy repeatedly stepped away from his golf ball as spectators shouted obscenities and personal insults at the career Grand Slam winner. —Zach Powell, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025

Much of that calmed down on Sunday as the American fans finally had something to cheer about, but there was still more than enough abuse aimed at McIlroy from the spectators throughout the day. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025

Multiple spectators were ejected and others got into verbal disputes with players. —Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 Sep. 2025

McIlroy has faced the brunt of the insults from spectators, who also jeered and yelled at his wife throughout the weekend. —Chandelis Duster, NPR, 28 Sep. 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