spectator

1 of 2

noun (1)

spec·​ta·​tor ˈspek-ˌtā-tər How to pronounce spectator (audio)
spek-ˈtā-
Synonyms of spectator
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 How to pronounce spectator (audio)
adjective
spectatorship
ˈspek-ˌtā-tər-ˌship How to pronounce spectator (audio)
spek-ˈtā-
noun

spectatorship

2 of 2

noun (2)

spec·​ta·​tor·​ship
1
obsolete : the condition of being viewed or submitted for viewing
2
: the condition of being a spectator especially as distinguished from a participant

Synonyms of spectator

Relevance

Noun (1)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of spectator in a Sentence

Noun (1) 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.
Noun
The partially translucent roof and façade allows spectators to see the elements without actually being subject to them. — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 On the last day of testimony, spectators queued outside of court with the hopes of getting a seat for the trial's final moments. — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026 In April 2025, Drew Fortescue walked into Madison Square Garden as a spectator, there to support Boston College teammate Gabe Perreault, then the Rangers’ top prospect suiting up to make his NHL debut. — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 Simon had been performing low-flying maneuvers while spectators on the ground watched, according to KIRO 7. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectator

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Noun (2)

Latin, from spectare to watch

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectator was circa 1586

Phrases Containing spectator

Browse Nearby Words

spectate
spectator
spectatorial
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectator. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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