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 package also includes access to the East Harmon Zone and the Koval Zone, as well as full spectator interaction with F1 Academy, the all-female series making its Las Vegas debut. —Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 16 Nov. 2025

Lynn Family Stadium, which also hosts Louisville City and Racing Louisville soccer matches, can fit around 15,000 spectators. —Leo Bertucci, Louisville Courier Journal, 16 Nov. 2025

The shot prompted applause from spectators and a fist pump from the two-time WNBA All-Star. —Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 15 Nov. 2025

The Leonids should be visible across the night sky and will appear with a longer tail to spectators who view them away from their radiant. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 13 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