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

Heavy on spectacle and light on her trademark personal connectivity, Blige’s 100-minute set was hindered by questionable pacing and condensed arrangements that minimized her formidable skills as a vocalist. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025

The script is often the same: the crowd swells, accusations fly, fists land, and the spectacle is sometimes even filmed. —Ismat Ara, TIME, 15 Mar. 2025

Zoos were created to house animals for public display — the emphasis typically on spectacle, rather than preservation. —Brianna Taylor, Sacramento Bee, 14 Mar. 2025

Formula One's 2025 season opener, the Australian Grand Prix, is already ringing alarms of an exciting race spectacle with a high chance of rain that could influence the race outcome by a significant margin. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 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