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

At the time, hundreds of spectators were inside watching a playoff basketball game between North Kansas City and Staley high schools. —Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2025

When the game became big business at the turn of the 20th century, women were welcomed at the ballpark as spectators. —Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 17 Mar. 2025

Approximately 150,000 people march in the parade that draws about 2 million spectators. —Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025

Some 2 million spectators are expected to head to Midtown to watch the annual celebration of Irish heritage. —Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 13 Mar. 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