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 Word Forms

• spectacleless adjective
• spectaclelike adjective
• superspectacle 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

Against both Manchester United and London City, he deployed a negative 4-1-4-1 where the primary aim seemed to be removing all creativity or entertainment from the spectacle.

From BBC

It was her first time at the fashion spectacle for more than a decade.

From BBC

However, this year, there was a notable force of nature and technology missing from the spectacle.

From Los Angeles Times

In other words, it’s not some violent spectacle.

From Los Angeles Times

The circus is all a bit nauseating, and that’s the point: If we’re fatigued by just watching this spectacle, imagine living it.

From Salon

Related Words

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