spectacle
noun
spec·ta·cle
ˈspek-ti-kəl 
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
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
Synonyms
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
Jake Paul is an emblem of a generation starving for purpose while gorging on spectacle.
—
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024
Even then the Italians loved a spritz In a period of political instability and uncertainty, the Colosseum was conceived as a way to unite the people of Rome under a shared spectacle.
—Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 19 Nov. 2024
The exhibition abstains from making a spectacle of its plenitude, inviting viewers to observe stylistic and technological developments unfolding freely and associatively.
—Jenny Wu, ARTnews.com, 6 Nov. 2024
On July 13, Trump survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pa., with the shooter’s bullet piercing his ear and Trump rising to his feet and pumping his fist as blood streaked down his face, a spectacle of defiance that thrilled his supporters.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spectacle 
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.
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2024
Even then the Italians loved a spritz In a period of political instability and uncertainty, the Colosseum was conceived as a way to unite the people of Rome under a shared spectacle.
—Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 19 Nov. 2024
The exhibition abstains from making a spectacle of its plenitude, inviting viewers to observe stylistic and technological developments unfolding freely and associatively.
—Jenny Wu, ARTnews.com, 6 Nov. 2024
On July 13, Trump survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pa., with the shooter’s bullet piercing his ear and Trump rising to his feet and pumping his fist as blood streaked down his face, a spectacle of defiance that thrilled his supporters.
—Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 6 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spectacle
Dictionary Entries Near spectacle
Cite this Entry
“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacle. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spectacle
noun
spec·ta·cle
ˈspek-ti-kəl
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
plural
: glass entry 1 sense 2b
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share