spectacular

1 of 2

adjective

spec·​tac·​u·​lar spek-ˈta-kyə-lər 

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

Synonyms

Noun

• circus
• extravaganza
• pageant
• raree-show
• spectacle

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

Adjective

Winter and early spring are some of Goehring’s favorite times to visit the park, and indeed, a surprise snowstorm can create spectacular scenes. —Carrie Dennis, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2024

Mom made delicious, spectacular birthday cakes and even cream puffs from scratch. —Betty Hallock, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2024

Noun

Manhattan will turn even more magical this evening as a twice-per-summer solar spectacular brings a dazzling glow to the concrete jungle. —Staff Author, Travel + Leisure, 28 May 2024

Fantasmic created a new industry template for multimedia night-time spectaculars. —Robert Niles, Orange County Register, 28 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin spectaculum

First Known Use

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1873, in the meaning defined above

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