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
Even without the ocean in sight, the views here are spectacular – capturing the mountains and the greenery around. Scott Kramer, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 There’s even a Jetsons-esque cafe inside by celebrity chef Jean-Georges that serves buttermilk pancakes and bacon with a side of spectacular plane views. Esther Carlstone, Parents, 18 Dec. 2024
Noun
The event itself has evolved from its humble beginnings as a motorcycle endurance run into a multi-class spectacular that draws competitors and spectators from across the globe. Shelby Knick, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 There are several different media types under the OOH umbrella, but the most popular include billboards, Times Square digital spectaculars and ads affixed to large scale walls, and then on the transit side, advertisements affixed to subway stations/trains, buses, bike shares and bus shelters. Fairchild Studio, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024 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 22 Dec. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!