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

Grand Entry, noon both days (spectators are expected to stand, remove hats and no photography during the Grand Entry). —Holly Andres, Daily News, 26 Mar. 2026

Hundreds of spectators gathered to watch the first vessel navigate the locks, a tradition signaling the start of spring. —Caitlin Looby, jsonline.com, 25 Mar. 2026

The following afternoon, bracing against the weather and old age, 4,000 GAR members, accompanied by veterans of later wars, marched past 25,000 spectators a mile up Grand Avenue to the Capitol. —Bill Steiden, Des Moines Register, 24 Mar. 2026

A bit like modern e-sports, spectators could observe the virtual match. —Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 23 Mar. 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