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

Spanning three consecutive nights from November 1 to November 3, the concerts drew music lovers and Swifties to witness a spectacle in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. —David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024

The finale was a significant step up from the end of WandaVision, for that matter, sticking with character work over spectacle. —Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2024

But waiting for exactly the right time is tricky business with these fleeting spectacles. —April Wallace, arkansasonline.com, 31 Oct. 2024

The 2001 trial was its own media spectacle, with the verdict broadcast on live television. —Kyndall Cunningham, Vox, 31 Oct. 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