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

Temporary bleachers can be added to increase capacity by another 1,500 spectators. —Sarah Spencer, AJC.com, 19 Feb. 2026

The arena brought competitors and spectators who supported nearby restaurants and businesses, boosting the local economy. —Perry Majidi, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026

According to the spectator rules at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium, where the event took place, animals are not allowed in the stadium, except for service dogs. —Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 19 Feb. 2026

Animals are not allowed in the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium according to the venue’s spectator rules, except for service dogs. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 19 Feb. 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