spectator

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

spectatorship

2 of 2

noun (2)

spec·​ta·​tor·​ship

1

obsolete : the condition of being viewed or submitted for viewing

2

: the condition of being a spectator especially as distinguished from a participant

Synonyms of spectator

Noun (1)

• observer
• viewer

Examples of spectator in a Sentence

Noun (1)

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

Noun

Risers for spectators to view the race and bridges for people to get around have been constructed. — Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Independence Day festivities drew hundreds of thousands of visitors, while organizers expect the Grand Prix to attract roughly 140,000 spectators each day. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 20 Aug. 2026

People across levels of an organization become participants rather than spectators. — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

The Thomasons said nearby spectators — including several Fever fans — were surprised by the security intervention. — Jackson Thompson Outkick, FOXNews.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Noun (2)

Latin, from spectare to watch

First Known Use

Noun (1)

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