spectacle

noun

spec·​ta·​cle ˈspek-ti-kəl How to pronounce spectacle (audio)
 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 How to pronounce spectacle (audio)
 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

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 William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night November 15-December 7, 2024 Shakespeare's delightful comedy of mistaken identities and romantic entanglements, is a family-friendly spectacle that promises laughter and joy for all. David Catlin, The Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2024 Simply put, the movie is mere historical spectacle without that performance at its center. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2024 Ridley Scott continues to impress with the scope and spectacle of his big epics, however, so this should be a fun one to finally watch. Erik Kain, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Shohei Ohtani will be a spectacle at the center of the Dodgers’ daily saga. Helene Elliott, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2024 This version balances such jaw-dropping spectacles as an earthquake and a bloody cannonball attack with its story lines full of cultural clashes and multi-pronged political strategizing. Randy Myers, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2024 Yet its ambition and spectacle are hard to dismiss. Chris Nashawaty, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2024 This annual spectacle, which has expanded its icy thrills to Aspen, USA, challenges drivers and machines against the elements, creating a stage where only the most resilient and precise can excel. Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 At the same time, the pacing proves more halting, particularly in the first hour or so of this 166-minute spectacle, which plunges deeply into the intricacies of imperial politics and Fremen customs, punctuated by skirmishes in the larger war. Brian Lowry, CNN, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spectacle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectacle was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near spectacle

Cite this Entry

“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spectacle

noun
spec·​ta·​cle ˈspek-ti-kəl How to pronounce spectacle (audio)
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
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

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