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
Buckle up for this globe-trotting, CGI-heavy adventure that combines apocalyptic spectacle and family drama in the least pretentious way possible.
—
Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
The red carpet, staged across from the theater’s towering marquee, had its own spectacle.
—Antonio Ferme, Variety, 5 Apr. 2025
The spectacle of Majors’s redemption tour has certainly overshadowed the work of the Magazine Dreams creative team and crew, as well as that of the rest of the cast.
—Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Stargazers might be able to catch a two-for-one celestial spectacle later this month.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
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Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
The red carpet, staged across from the theater’s towering marquee, had its own spectacle.
—Antonio Ferme, Variety, 5 Apr. 2025
The spectacle of Majors’s redemption tour has certainly overshadowed the work of the Magazine Dreams creative team and crew, as well as that of the rest of the cast.
—Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025
Stargazers might be able to catch a two-for-one celestial spectacle later this month.
—Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 4 Apr. 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 16 Apr. 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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