1 spectacle | Definition of spectacle

spectacle

noun
spec·​ta·​cle | \ ˈspek-ti-kÉ™l How to pronounce spectacle (audio) also -ËŒti-kÉ™l\

Definition of spectacle

1a : 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-​kÉ™lz How to pronounce spectacles (audio) also  -​ËŒti-​kÉ™lz\ plural : a device used to correct defects of vision : glasses
3 : something (such as natural markings on an animal) suggesting a pair of glasses

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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

With Tyler Johnston at quarterback and Brown in the backfield, there should be plenty of spectacle early and before the starters are removed after halftime. Evan Dudley, al, "Blazer Buzz: Alabama State at UAB in 2019 opener," 29 Aug. 2019 This was the start of a marine spectacle last Saturday in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. Tom Stienstra, SFChronicle.com, "Humpbacks, killer whales, fin whales star in coastal spectacle," 28 Aug. 2019 Home of the first presidential primaries in the South, the state becomes a destination for onlookers eager to catch a glimpse of the political spectacle. Washington Post, "Politics lures visitors to early-primary states like SC, NH," 25 July 2019 Given these advantages, flat lenses could replace their bulkier counterparts anywhere that cost or weight is an issue—meaning pretty-well everywhere from microscopes and cameras, to pairs of spectacles. The Economist, "How to make a flat lens," 25 July 2019 Yellow filters on my lenses and dive mask block the stimulating blue light, enabling me to see and capture the full extent of the psychedelic spectacle. Smithsonian, "Amazing Photos Reveal the Hidden Light of Undersea Life," 25 July 2019 But Muchova prevailed 13-11, depriving us of that spectacle. Jon Wertheim, SI.com, "16 Thoughts on 16 Matches: Breaking Down All the Manic Monday Wimbledon Action," 8 July 2019 It had been suggested that the game didn't really mean anything, yet that did not detract from what was an enthralling spectacle. SI.com, "Liverpool: All 6 Trophies the Reds Have Won on Penalties," 15 Aug. 2019 Leave it to the Kardashian-Jenner clan to turn a birthday surprise into an all-out Instagram spectacle. Megan Mccluskey, Time, "Travis Scott Pulled Off the Most Extravagant Birthday Surprise for Kylie Jenner and They're Just Getting Started," 6 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spectacle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of spectacle

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for spectacle

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin spectaculum, from spectare to watch, frequentative of specere to look, look at — more at spy

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More Definitions for spectacle

spectacle

noun

English Language Learners Definition of spectacle

: a very impressive show
: something that attracts attention because it is very unusual or very shocking
old-fashioned : a pair of lenses set into a frame and worn over the eyes

spectacle

noun
spec·​ta·​cle | \ ˈspek-ti-kÉ™l How to pronounce spectacle (audio) \

Kids Definition of spectacle

1 : an unusual or impressive public display (as a big parade)
2 spectacles plural : glass sense 3
3 : an object of curiosity or contempt Don't make a spectacle of yourself!

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