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
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
The blueprint looks like this: speed + spectacle + story.
—
John Cairney, Sportico.com, 24 May 2025
The two-hour event, a massive military spectacle and unofficial birthday party, takes place on Constitution Avenue near the National Mall and starts at 6:30 p.m. ET.
—George Petras, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Throughout the book, ogling bystanders, nonchalant locals, and wannabes shooting their shot at stardom all add to the surrealist spectacle.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 May 2025
The gala dinner held at the Trump National Golf Club in suburban Washington, where Mr. Trump flew from the White House on a military helicopter, turned into an extraordinary spectacle as hundreds of guests arrived, many having flown to the United States from overseas.
—David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
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John Cairney, Sportico.com, 24 May 2025
The two-hour event, a massive military spectacle and unofficial birthday party, takes place on Constitution Avenue near the National Mall and starts at 6:30 p.m. ET.
—George Petras, USA Today, 24 May 2025
Throughout the book, ogling bystanders, nonchalant locals, and wannabes shooting their shot at stardom all add to the surrealist spectacle.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 May 2025
The gala dinner held at the Trump National Golf Club in suburban Washington, where Mr. Trump flew from the White House on a military helicopter, turned into an extraordinary spectacle as hundreds of guests arrived, many having flown to the United States from overseas.
—David Yaffe-Bellany, New York Times, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Cite this Entry
“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacle. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
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
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