spectator

noun

spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtā-tər 

spek-ˈtā-

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

ˌspek-tə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

spectatorship

ˈspek-ˌtā-tər-ˌship 

spek-ˈtā-

noun

Synonyms

• bystander
• observer
• onlooker
• viewer
• watcher

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

There were no models strutting down a catwalk, no passive spectators in shades admiring clothes from a distance. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

Among the other spectators were a family—grandmother, mother, and two daughters—from Bordeaux. —Katie Ebner-Landy, The New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2025

Here’s what runners, spectators and fans need to know about the three-day event. —Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Feb. 2025

The right-hander attracts no shortage of spectators during his bullpen sessions. —Justice Delos Santos, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from spectare to watch

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spectator

• spectator sport

Kids Definition

spectator

noun

spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtāt-ər 

spek-ˈtāt-

: a person who looks on (as at a sports event)

spectator adjective