spectacle

[ spek-tuh-kuhl ]

noun

1. anything presented to the sight or view, especially something of a striking or impressive kind:

   The stars make a fine spectacle tonight.

   Synonyms: show, sight, wonder, marvel

2. a public show or display, especially on a large scale:

   The coronation was a lavish spectacle.

3. spectacles. eyeglasses, especially with pieces passing over or around the ears for holding them in place.
4. Often spectacles.
   1. something resembling spectacles in shape or function.
   2. any of various devices suggesting spectacles, as one attached to a semaphore to display lights or different colors by colored glass.
5. Obsolete. a spyglass.

spectacle

/ ˈspɛktəkəl /

noun

1. a public display or performance, esp a showy or ceremonial one
2. a thing or person seen, esp an unusual or ridiculous one

   he makes a spectacle of himself

3. a strange or interesting object or phenomenon
4. modifier of or relating to spectacles

   a spectacle case

Other Words From

• specta·cle·less adjective
• specta·cle·like adjective
• super·specta·cle noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectacle¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Latin spectāculum “sight, spectacle,” from spectā(re) “to look at,” literally, “to look repeatedly” (from specere “to look, regard, see”) + -culum -cle ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectacle¹

C14: via Old French from Latin spectaculum a show, from spectāre to watch, from specere to look at

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. make a spectacle of oneself, to call attention to one's unseemly behavior; behave foolishly or badly in public:

   They tell me I made a spectacle of myself at the party last night.

Example Sentences

The film is a bewitching spectacle, a classic holiday season event movie that brims with enough earnestness to keep even its fluffiest moments from becoming corny intellectual property slop.

From Salon

There was widespread criticism in the build-up and opinions remained largely the same after a lacklustre spectacle.

From BBC

With tropical flair, the performance kicked off the three-hour spectacle, which brought the audience to its feet, tears to winners’ faces and nostalgic moments.

From Los Angeles Times

"It’s a very interesting spectacle for people but I do understand the concerns that people have as well," Taylor tells BBC Sport.

From BBC

England struggled for much of the ODI series, at times making it a poor spectacle.

From BBC

Related Words

• comedy
• demonstration
• display
• drama
• event
• extravaganza
• movie
• pageant
• parade
• performance
• phenomenon
• scene
• sight
• spectacular
• tableau