spectacle

noun

spec·​ta·​cle ˈspek-ti-kəl 

 also  -ˌti-kəl

1

a

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

especially : an eye-catching or dramatic public display

b

: an object of curiosity or contempt

made a spectacle of herself

2

spectacles ˈspek-ti-kəlz 

 also  -ˌti-kəlz

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

3

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

Synonyms

• circus
• extravaganza
• pageant
• raree-show
• spectacular

Examples of spectacle in a Sentence

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

Throughout the show, she was seen recording and dancing along to Gaga’s Viva La Mayhem spectacle. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025

Sometimes death is itself the spectacle, the thing that people are really here to see, as in the double-suicide of Romeo + Juliet. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025

Authoritarian power will not be satisfied with one sacrifice or one enemy or one other but will require more, since that power thrives on the spectacle of punishment—the rendition. —Viet Thanh Nguyễn, Time, 28 Apr. 2025

The grandness of the spectacle, of course, could be read as just a release for the personalities who have been working overtime covering this disruption whackamole. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 27 Apr. 2025

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

Phrases Containing spectacle

• make a spectacle of oneself

Rhymes for spectacle

• dialectical

Kids Definition

spectacle

noun

spec·​ta·​cle ˈspek-ti-kəl 

1

a

: an unusual or impressive public display

b

: an object of curious or annoyed attention

made a spectacle of yourself at the party

2

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