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

Wearing face paint and watching the whole spectacle from their imperial boxes, the duo seem to be treating the proceedings with scenery-chewing relish. —Brent Lang, Variety, 11 Apr. 2024

As the crowd whoops and wows its appreciation at the spectacle, Sylvester turns to me again, his brown eyes no longer hidden by dark plastic panes. —Simon Montlake, The Christian Science Monitor, 9 Apr. 2024

Nestled between the bays of Marsalforn and San Blas, the warm waters are calm by day and the sunsets a spectacle by night. —Anya Meyerowitz, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024

Experts told The Washington Post that anyone who followed the requisite safety tips and used proper solar eclipse glasses to view Monday’s spectacle should feel reassured that their eyes escaped any serious harm. —Daniel Wu, Washington Post, 9 Apr. 2024

Bring your spectacles to the Hub through April 27 and the group will pass them along to the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio. —Jason Rossi, The Enquirer, 8 Apr. 2024

More than 31 million people live along the path of totality, and many more flew or drove to witness the spectacle in person. —Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2024

Travelers to the eclipse's path of totality can especially expect hours of traffic after the spectacle in the sky concludes. —Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2024

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, however, is the MonsterVerse at its weakest: Its spectacle is even duller than its story, which is already nonsensical. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 29 Mar. 2024

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

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