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

Spectator Emyr was hit by a firework as he and his wife Danielle tried to protect their children Sofia-Mai, five, and eight-year-old Steffan.

From BBC

The Slovak Spectator said he was "one of the best Slovak mountaineers".

From BBC

As bittersweet as it was to be reduced to a playoff spectator, it became easier once Kershaw accepted in early October that he wouldn’t be able to play.

From Los Angeles Times

How much of a downer would it be if he’s reduced to being a spectator when the Dodgers win the World Series?

From Los Angeles Times

Now editor of the Spectator magazine, Gove asked Mandelson what advice he would give new Labour MPs who have entered Parliament following this year’s general election.

From BBC

Related Words

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