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

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He rejects the modern spectacle of boxing hype and trash talk, instead he advocates for the noble art of self-defence.

Read more on BBC

He had no interest in the familiar cradle-to-arena story arc, big on spectacle but short on substance.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Here are some of the standout images capturing the energy, creativity and spectacle.

Read more on BBC

Vivid color schemes and stylized imagery convert political messaging into visual spectacle.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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