spectator

[ spek-tey-ter, spek-tey- ]

noun

1. a person who looks on or watches; onlooker; observer.
2. a person who is present at and views a spectacle, display, or the like; member of an audience.
3. Also called spectator shoe. a white shoe with a perforated wing tip and back trim, traditionally of dark brown, dark blue, or black but sometimes of a lighter color.

spectator

/ spɛkˈteɪtə /

noun

1. a person viewing anything; onlooker; observer

Other Words From

• spec·ta·to·ri·al [spek-t, uh, -, tawr, -ee-, uh, l, -, tohr, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectator¹

1580–90; < Latin spectātor, equivalent to spectā ( re ), frequentative of specere to look, regard + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectator¹

C16: from Latin, from spectāre to watch; see spectacle

Example Sentences

Hundreds of spectators cheered as each contender stepped forward to show their resemblance.

From BBC

In a much-anticipated match that drew over 70,000 spectators to the home of the Dallas Cowboys on Friday, the only clear winner was the unceasing march of time.

From Salon

After ripping up a copy of the bill in front of Seymour, Māori members who opposed the bill and some spectators in the gallery joined in the ceremonial dance.

From Salon

Thousands of spectators have taken to the streets of the City of London to watch the 2024 Lord Mayor's Show procession.

From BBC

A fireworks display descended into chaos when rockets flew into the crowd and hit spectators.

From BBC

Related Words

• bystander
• fan
• moviegoer
• observer
• onlooker
• sports fan
• theatergoer
• viewer