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
Synonyms
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
The dates to see the synchronous fireflies of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park perform their annual spectacle have been revealed.
—
Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2024
Point your eyes toward the constellation Lyra to watch for the spectacle.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2024
Every year, event planner Raul Ávila is given a daunting task: to transform the Metropolitan Museum of Art into an otherworldly spectacle for the annual Met Gala.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2024
Having just wrapped up its lengthy stay in San Francisco, the vibrant Cirque du Soleil big-top spectacle opens for a multiweek run, today through May 26, at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose.
—Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
Pinkas also told us Iran had deliberately telegraphed details of the strike and knew most of the missiles and drones could be shot down, allowing Iran a shock-and-awe spectacle with minimal damage that Israel can choose to walk away from.
—CBS News, 14 Apr. 2024
Tehran’s operation was highly choreographed, apparently designed to minimize casualties while maximizing spectacle.
—Tamara Qiblawi, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024
Travis Kelce's Most Fashionable Moments Kelce was familiar with Dillane’s work prior to the Internet-breaking spectacle.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024
Amidst this vibrant landscape, Antelope Valley stands out as a beacon of springtime splendor, offering a spectacle that captures the hearts of all who behold it.
—Branded Content Contributor, Orange County Register, 11 Apr. 2024
Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 23 Apr. 2024
Point your eyes toward the constellation Lyra to watch for the spectacle.
—Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2024
Every year, event planner Raul Ávila is given a daunting task: to transform the Metropolitan Museum of Art into an otherworldly spectacle for the annual Met Gala.
—Elise Taylor, Vogue, 18 Apr. 2024
Having just wrapped up its lengthy stay in San Francisco, the vibrant Cirque du Soleil big-top spectacle opens for a multiweek run, today through May 26, at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in San Jose.
—Randy McMullen, The Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2024
Pinkas also told us Iran had deliberately telegraphed details of the strike and knew most of the missiles and drones could be shot down, allowing Iran a shock-and-awe spectacle with minimal damage that Israel can choose to walk away from.
—CBS News, 14 Apr. 2024
Tehran’s operation was highly choreographed, apparently designed to minimize casualties while maximizing spectacle.
—Tamara Qiblawi, CNN, 14 Apr. 2024
Travis Kelce's Most Fashionable Moments Kelce was familiar with Dillane’s work prior to the Internet-breaking spectacle.
—Michelle Lee, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024
Amidst this vibrant landscape, Antelope Valley stands out as a beacon of springtime splendor, offering a spectacle that captures the hearts of all who behold it.
—Branded Content Contributor, Orange County Register, 11 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spectacle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near spectacle
Cite this Entry
“Spectacle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacle. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
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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