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
See all Example Sentences for spectacle 
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
See all Example Sentences for spectacle
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 5 May. 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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