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

The 130th Boston Marathon will be run on Monday, April 20 and the weather forecast for the 2026 race is decidedly better for runners than spectators. —Terry Eliasen, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2026

Johnson waved to the cheering spectators who lined her eight-vehicle motorcade route from a railway station. —Charlotte Observer, 16 Apr. 2026

Now, no run, with the Hornets playing Friday night at the Orlando Magic for the final playoff spot in the East and the Heat left as playoff spectators. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 16 Apr. 2026

More than 200 spectators cheered, whistled and shouted encouragement to their favorites during the pageant April 11 at Olive Peirce Middle School’s Performing Arts Center. —Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 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