spectacle

noun

spec·ta·cle ˈspek-ti-kəl

also -ˌti-kəl

Synonyms of spectacle next

: something exhibited to view as unusual, notable, or entertaining

especially : an eye-catching or dramatic public display

: an object of curiosity or contempt

made a spectacle of herself

spectacles ˈspek-ti-kəlz

also -ˌti-kəlz

plural : a device used to correct defects of vision : glasses

: something (such as natural markings on an animal) suggesting a pair of glasses

Example Sentences

He peered through his spectacles. the multimedia spectacles that have become established parts of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games

Recent Examples on the Web The festivities have long been as just about the fashion as the films — if anything, the level of spectacle has only increased. —

Leah Dolan, CNN, 17 May 2023 That said, much of the spectacle in this 10th film rehashes bonkers situations and scenes done before (and better), a running theme that also pervades much of the narrative. —

Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 17 May 2023 The Josh fight wasn't just a spectacle for Nebraskans and those who watched online. —

Caitlin O'kane, CBS News, 12 May 2023 While taking away some of the live experience, the shows were still huge spectacles on television and online, with Wasabi the Pekingese being named best in show in 2021 and Trumpet the bloodhound taking the top spot in 2022. —

Desiree Rios, New York Times, 8 May 2023 A day after the gilded spectacle of King Charles III’s crowning in an ancient religious ceremony, festivities took a more down-to-earth turn with thousands of picnics and street parties held across the U.K. in his honor, no fancy invite required. —

Brian Melley, BostonGlobe.com, 7 May 2023 Britain’s grand coronation spectacle evokes mirth or ire for some, but prompts reverence from others. —

Elvia Limón, Los Angeles Times, 5 May 2023 When the films deliver the right combination of ingredients — big spectacle, enormous fun, and resonant emotional themes that provide tremendous relief — audiences reward it, as happened most successfully in Phase Four with Spider-Man: No Way Home and Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. —

Mark Hughes, Forbes, 5 May 2023 Saturday's spectacle is one of the largest firework show in America, which means animals may be frightened during the evening portion of the event, according to the Kentucky Humane Society, which means they can get stressed or run away during the show. —

The Courier-Journal, 23 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spectacle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin spectaculum, from spectare to watch, frequentative of specere to look, look at — more at spy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of spectacle was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacle. Accessed 31 May. 2023.

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Kids Definition

spectacle

noun

spec·ta·cle ˈspek-ti-kəl

: an unusual or impressive public display

: an object of curious or annoyed attention

made a spectacle of yourself at the party

plural : glass entry 1 sense 2b

Etymology

Middle English spectacle "spectacle," from early French spectacle (same meaning), from Latin spectaculum (same meaning), from spectare "to watch," from specere "to look, look at" — related to auspice, expect