spectate

American  

[spek-teyt] / ˈspɛk teɪt /

verb (used without object)

spectated, spectating

1. to participate as a spectator, as at a horse race.

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spectate British  

/ spɛkˈteɪt /

verb

1. (intr) to be a spectator, esp at a sporting event; watch

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Usage

What does spectate mean? Literally, to spectate is to watch, observe, or witness something, as in When you’re spectating a marathon, be sure to cheer loudly for the runners when they pass.Spectate is most often used in reference to watching an event, such as a football game, concert, or even a video game.In video gaming, particularly in competitive games and esports, there is often a spectate mode in which one player can view the actions of another. In many team-based esports, when one player is eliminated from a match, their screen will start to spectate one of their teammates’ so they can continue to provide input on their actions. Depending on the video game, people can also spectate players without even being in the same group as them. In gambling, when you are betting on a competition, such as a soccer game or horse race, you are said to be spectating the competition. Figuratively, this means you are watching the event in order to place a bet on it. Sports betting and performance spectating can range from small, one-time bets to large, and sometimes illegal, gambling.Spectate is a back formation of spectator, which means someone who looks on.Example: Owen gets frustrated whenever he’s forced to spectate in his favorite video game.

Etymology

Origin of spectate

First recorded in 1700–10; back formation from spectator

Example Sentences

The Brewers’ bullpen was suddenly as rickety as the Dodgers’, and that was with Sasaki just spectating.

From Los Angeles Times

"I don't really like the word 'experience' because I feel like then you're just there to almost just spectate; you don't really have the expectation to win," he told BBC Sport.

From BBC

"This quite obviously riled us, embarrassed my brother, but also caused a scene for all others to spectate."

From BBC

Welcome to Ally Pally 2025 - scene of the PDC World Darts Championship and also the most distinctive live spectating experience in the sporting fans' calendar.

From BBC

In and out of the sporting action, there were many moments that will live long in the memory, both for those in action and those spectating.

From BBC