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

• observer
• viewer

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

Frogs croaked from nearby waterholes, joining the chorus of spectators who hollered as the announcer introduced their favorite racers — along with their laundry lists of sponsors. —William Liang, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025

Thousands of spectators gathered in downtown Danville to celebrate 249 years of freedom during the annual Fourth of July parade along San Ramon Valley Boulevard and Hartz Avenue on Friday morning. —Ray Chavez, Mercury News, 7 July 2025

Many spectators watched the race — and visited Chicago — for the first time. —Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 6 July 2025

The annual contest, which began in 1972, draws thousands of spectators to Nathan’s Famous, located on Surf Avenue. —Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 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