spectacular

1 of 2

adjective

spec·​tac·​u·​lar spek-ˈta-kyə-lər How to pronounce spectacular (audio)
spək-
: of, relating to, or being a spectacle : striking, sensational
a spectacular display of fireworks
spectacularly adverb

spectacular

2 of 2

noun

: something that is spectacular
especially : an elaborate film, television, or theatrical production

Examples of spectacular in a Sentence

Adjective a spectacular play in a football game The autumn foliage was spectacular. Noun the larger-than-life spectaculars that make Las Vegas attractive to people with little interest in gambling
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.
Adjective
This creates a cultural tribute that shines brightly amid the spectacular fireworks displays. WWD, 29 Jan. 2025 This year, the group had planned to stage its 2025 watch week in my hometown of Los Angeles, at a hillside villa, by all accounts spectacular. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
NBCUniversal is slated to broadcast the event in 2026 and is likely to try to create packages that include the football spectacular, the Winter Olympics and the NBA All-Star Game. Brian Steinberg, Variety, 29 Jan. 2025 Performing at Long Island’s UBS Arena on Tuesday (Dec. 31), Joel’s end-of-year spectacular was a special for one for numerous reasons. Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019 See all Example Sentences for spectacular 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin spectaculum

First Known Use

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectacular was in 1682

Dictionary Entries Near spectacular

Cite this Entry

“Spectacular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacular. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

spectacular

adjective
spec·​tac·​u·​lar
spek-ˈtak-yə-lər,
spək-
: of, relating to, or being a spectacle : exciting to see : sensational
a spectacular sunset
spectacularly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on spectacular

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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