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
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
For Young, the projects are intertwined, with his past and future colliding in a swirl of acrylic shells, nostalgia, and high-definition spectacle.
—
Jeff Miller, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026
Tourists are drawn to the spectacle from other parts of Spain and abroad.
—Alexis Marshall, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell of Lume are handling puppetry and movement — a detail that will immediately make fans wonder what creatures or spectacles might appear onstage.
—Ryan Brennan
april 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2026
Although embedded in spectacle culture, these events occasionally presented the possibility of truly poetic clashes between languages and artistic traditions—what Glissant calls an éclat, collisions that create sparks of novelty.
—Daniel Birnbaum, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
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Jeff Miller, Rolling Stone, 3 Apr. 2026
Tourists are drawn to the spectacle from other parts of Spain and abroad.
—Alexis Marshall, NPR, 3 Apr. 2026
Nick Barnes and Finn Caldwell of Lume are handling puppetry and movement — a detail that will immediately make fans wonder what creatures or spectacles might appear onstage.
—Ryan Brennan
april 3, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2026
Although embedded in spectacle culture, these events occasionally presented the possibility of truly poetic clashes between languages and artistic traditions—what Glissant calls an éclat, collisions that create sparks of novelty.
—Daniel Birnbaum, Artforum, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Cite this Entry
“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacle. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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