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

People all around the festival could be seen stopping and pointing out the flying spectacle.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But unlike Miami where it "arrived as a projection of leisure or spectacle", in Mumbai the "style resonated across various building typologies, including schools, cinemas, bungalows, petrol stations and banks," Mr Kumar said.

Read more on BBC

Another recent spectacle points out how he is getting worse: His meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who visited the Oval Office Tuesday.

Read more on Salon

During migration season, in July and August, scores of safari vehicles can crowd every crossing point and every lion kill, jostling for position and disrupting the very spectacle that tourism depends on.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

They were still outside the theater, hidden by the crowd, but close enough to witness this sorry spectacle.

Read more on Literature

Related Words

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