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

In Los Angeles, newlyweds Benny Blanco and Selena Gomez show off courtside PDA at the Los Angeles Lakers match up against the New Orleans Pelicans, which also saw another star spectator, Pedro Pascal. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 1 Dec. 2025

More spectators gathered inside palace grounds in the hopes of spotting the pope, donning plastic raincoats under a gray sky. —Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 30 Nov. 2025

Plenty of places around Arizona are popular among spectators eager to see the Falcon 9 soaring overheard. —Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 30 Nov. 2025

The demonstration begins with the dinosaur figure resting on a pavement, as a diverse group of spectators gathers. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 30 Nov. 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