spectator

[spek-tey-ter, spek-tey-]

noun

1. a person who looks on or watches; onlooker; observer.

2. a person who is present at and views a spectacle, display, or the like; member of an audience.

3. Also called spectator shoe. a white shoe with a perforated wing tip and back trim, traditionally of dark brown, dark blue, or black but sometimes of a lighter color.

spectator

/ spɛkˈteɪtə /

noun

1. a person viewing anything; onlooker; observer

Other Word Forms

• spectatorial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectator¹

1580–90; < Latin spectātor, equivalent to spectā ( re ), frequentative of specere to look, regard + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectator¹

C16: from Latin, from spectāre to watch; see _spectacle

Example Sentences

Some spectators agree that marathon-watching is a hassle even if they don’t have to travel.

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“The series is almost over!” sang one loud spectator late Wednesday.

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Because it’s a great spectacle and it’s free, there are usually dozens of spectators along the shore.

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They were utterly obliterated by a Blue Jays squad that seemed completely oblivious to the idea that they were here to serve as spectators to the Dodgers’ inevitable coronation.

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Socks were then collected from willing spectators and added to the sack that was hovering over the dimly lighted set.

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Related Words

• bystander 
• fan 
• moviegoer www.thesaurus.com
• observer 
• onlooker 
• sports fan www.thesaurus.com
• theatergoer 
• viewer