spectator

noun

spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtā-tər How to pronounce spectator (audio)
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 adjective
spectatorship noun

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
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.
The incident occurred around 6 p.m. during the city's Festival of Lights Parade along Palm Canyon Drive, temporarily stopping the annual celebration that draws up to 100,000 spectators. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024 The festival’s 21st edition – running from November 29 to December 7 – was attended by a record 40,000 spectators, including 7,500 children and teenagers as part of the Young Audiences and Families program. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 7 Dec. 2024 Indy weather cooperated and spectators had some of the best views in the country for the rare celestial event. Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 6 Dec. 2024 If they are removed, the United States—not even a spectator at that point—will have even less say over how any deal might look. Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spectator 

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from spectare to watch

First Known Use

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectator was circa 1586

Dictionary Entries Near spectator

Cite this Entry

“Spectator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectator. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

spectator

noun
spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtāt-ər How to pronounce spectator (audio)
spek-ˈtāt-
: a person who looks on (as at a sports event)
spectator adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on spectator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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