spectacle
noun
spec·ta·cle
ˈspek-ti-kəl 
also -ˌti-kəl
1
a
: something exhibited to view as unusual, notable, or entertaining
especially
: an eye-catching or dramatic public display
b
: an object of curiosity or contempt
made a spectacle of herself
2
spectacles
ˈspek-ti-kəlz
also -ˌti-kəlz
plural
: a device used to correct defects of vision : glasses
3
: something (such as natural markings on an animal) suggesting a pair of glasses
Examples of spectacle in a Sentence
He peered through his spectacles.
the multimedia spectacles that have become established parts of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games
Recent Examples on the Web
Set pieces are teased with just enough spectacle – exploding cars, balletic fight sequences, and globe-trotting vistas – to assure fans that the sequel is raising the stakes.
—
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 July 2025
On the morning of the exhibition, MLS revealed that Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate, Jordi Alba, would not participate in the spectacle.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 24 July 2025
But Brown never wanted the deeper emotions of his music and the underlying story of his own personal triumphs and tragedies get lost in the spectacle.
—Scott Huver, People.com, 24 July 2025
This isn't the first time Vinson has made a spectacle in court since being charged with several crimes related to the killings and child abduction, including two counts of murder, two counts of child kidnapping, home invasion, assault with intent to murder, conspiracy and possession of weapons.
—Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
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Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 July 2025
On the morning of the exhibition, MLS revealed that Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammate, Jordi Alba, would not participate in the spectacle.
—Jeff Rueter, New York Times, 24 July 2025
But Brown never wanted the deeper emotions of his music and the underlying story of his own personal triumphs and tragedies get lost in the spectacle.
—Scott Huver, People.com, 24 July 2025
This isn't the first time Vinson has made a spectacle in court since being charged with several crimes related to the killings and child abduction, including two counts of murder, two counts of child kidnapping, home invasion, assault with intent to murder, conspiracy and possession of weapons.
—Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectacle
Cite this Entry
“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacle. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spectacle
noun
spec·ta·cle
ˈspek-ti-kəl
1
a
: an unusual or impressive public display
b
: an object of curious or annoyed attention
made a spectacle of yourself at the party
2
plural
: glass entry 1 sense 2b
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