spectator

noun

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

Synonyms of spectator

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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.
This award celebrates the best picture in Venezia Spotlight, judged by spectators. — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2026 Each of the United States’ four biggest leagues — the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL — has investigated its personnel for suspicious betting activity in the past 12 months, causing some spectators to consider whether sports are morphing into WrestleMania. — Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026 That also means the space station, traveling at dizzying speeds of about 17,500 mph, is routinely visible to spectators on the ground. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026 Asked whether cinema should be political, Gyllenhaal replied that filmmakers and spectators needed to be open to all types of filmmakers and stories. — Nada Aboul Kheir, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 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

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 4 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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