spectacle

American  

[spek-tuh-kuhl] / ˈspɛk tə kəl /

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.

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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.

spectacle British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• superspectacle
  noun
• spectaclelike
  adjective
• spectacleless
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of spectacle

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

Explanation

A spectacle is something you can't believe you are seeing. Get on top of your desk at work in your underpants while playing the kazoo and you're making a spectacle of yourself. The word spectacle comes from the Latin spectaculum meaning "public show," an apt translation because a spectacle, like a public show, is something worth watching. A ballet is a spectacle, or an elaborate production worth watching. Often the word is used to describe something that has a particularly exciting visual element to it — like an acrobatic display or a magic trick. It's something you have to see to really appreciate.

Example Sentences

A Knicks game is as much a celebrity spectacle as it is a basketball event.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

There was something unconsciously fitting about it all: the spectacle of one old media company offering a platform to an icon of another to say something unhinged, self-obsessed and divorced from reality.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Few public figures generate stronger reactions in New York, and his appearance — as it usually does — adds another layer of politics, spectacle and unpredictability to an event that already feels larger than sports.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2026

Built on community connection rather than blockbuster spectacle, the Redondo Beach festival deliberately avoids typical pain points like long lines and dusty lots to create a comfortable oceanfront gathering.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

Because the last thing a detective should do is make a complete spectacle of herself.

From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan

Related Words

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