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

Fashion became a meditative journey rather than a spectacle. —Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024

Yes, with enough time and money, VFX can create incredible spectacles. —Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 14 Sep. 2024

Instead, what’s most substantial about the movie is reduced to an elaborate windup toy, a mechanism of mere spectacle. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 13 Sep. 2024

As the nights grow longer and the crispness of autumn fills the air, the moment has come to transform your sunny summer retreat into a spine-chilling spectacle filled with eerie delights. —Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 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