spectator

noun

spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtā-tər How to pronounce spectator (audio)
spek-ˈtā-
Synonyms of spectatornext
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 adjective
spectatorship noun

Examples of spectator in a Sentence

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The shows will be Chappelle’s first for the festival since his opening of the inaugural edition with multiple shows in 2022, when the comedian was attacked by a 23-year-old spectator rushing the stage named Isaiah Lee. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026 The shooter and a spectator at the rally were killed, and two people were critically injured. Kinsey Crowley, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026 But spectators, too, have fallen prey to Auction Fever, directing our attention to the process rather than the book. Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 Five women were injured overnight Sunday in a shooting near Indiana University following its annual Little 500 races which brings about alums and large crowds of spectators. Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectator

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from spectare to watch

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectator was circa 1586

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectator. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

spectator

noun
spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtāt-ər How to pronounce spectator (audio)
spek-ˈtāt-
: a person who looks on (as at a sports event)
spectator adjective

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