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

On a subsequent play, referee Jeffrey Anderson blew his whistle, pointed to a spectator seated in the third row and signaled for him to be ejected. —Devon Henderson, New York Times, 6 Jan. 2026

Seeing the opportunity, Wendy's hopes to step in and fill the chicken tender-sized hole in spectators' stomachs. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 5 Jan. 2026

Along with the record number of participants, Motley said the number of spectators was larger than usual as well, adding to the challenges for city personnel. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026

The town of Lisbon was beautifully decorated for the occasion, as were most of the spectators. —Tracy Trobridge, Baltimore Sun, 4 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