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

David Pakman examines just how far the need to perform for digital spectators has seeped into real life. — Literary Hub, 22 Sep. 2026

The theatrical relationship between wrestlers and spectators—the taunting, cheering and booing—turned the audience into participants in the show. — Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026

Her Easter Sunday performance at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 in front of 75,000 spectators remains a touchstone of defiance in an age of racial violence. — Marc Weingarten, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026

This past week, Tinashe has made her stance clear online with fans and spectators who have decided they aren’t sold on Popstar. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Sep. 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