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
- circus
- extravaganza
- pageant
- raree-show
- spectacular
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Example Sentences
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 duo certainly breathes new life into the 140-year-old fairy tale, turning into it a big, bold movie spectacle. 
Joey Morona, cleveland, 8 Sep. 2022 Officially, doors opened on Aug. 30, but a few pre-gaming days beforehand saw long waits as Orlando foodies lined up to be among the first to check the spectacle — and the food. Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2022 Line the pool with repeating clusters of plants such as evergreens and hostas to create a relaxing, symmetrical spectacle. Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2022 Move-in day was a spectacle — flags and banners flying, peer mentors bounding up to help freshmen unload trunks and lamps and duffel bags, music was booming in the quad and the dorms. Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2022 In both cases, the focus of attention is spectacle, excess, and contests with a binary outcome. Andy Meek, BGR, 22 Aug. 2022 Organizers expect up to two million people to gather at the lakefront to watch the spectacle, which takes place Saturday and Sunday. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2022 No special equipment is needed to enjoy the spectacle, just a dark sky and some patience, both of which could be in short supply this year because of the full moon. Editors, USA TODAY, 11 Aug. 2022 The large-scale lighting spectacle — which has been produced at public gardens around the world — will run Nov. 18 through Jan. 1 at the 37-acre property in Encinitas. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Aug. 2022 See More
Joey Morona, cleveland, 8 Sep. 2022 Officially, doors opened on Aug. 30, but a few pre-gaming days beforehand saw long waits as Orlando foodies lined up to be among the first to check the spectacle — and the food. Amy Drew Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2022 Line the pool with repeating clusters of plants such as evergreens and hostas to create a relaxing, symmetrical spectacle. Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2022 Move-in day was a spectacle — flags and banners flying, peer mentors bounding up to help freshmen unload trunks and lamps and duffel bags, music was booming in the quad and the dorms. Petula Dvorak, Washington Post, 29 Aug. 2022 In both cases, the focus of attention is spectacle, excess, and contests with a binary outcome. Andy Meek, BGR, 22 Aug. 2022 Organizers expect up to two million people to gather at the lakefront to watch the spectacle, which takes place Saturday and Sunday. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2022 No special equipment is needed to enjoy the spectacle, just a dark sky and some patience, both of which could be in short supply this year because of the full moon. Editors, USA TODAY, 11 Aug. 2022 The large-scale lighting spectacle — which has been produced at public gardens around the world — will run Nov. 18 through Jan. 1 at the 37-acre property in Encinitas. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Aug. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin spectaculum, from spectare to watch, frequentative of specere to look, look at — more at spy
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Phrases Containing spectacle
Kids Definition
spectacle
noun
spec·ta·cle ˈspek-ti-kəl
1
: an unusual or impressive public display (as a big parade)
2
spectacles plural : glass sense 3
3
: an object of curiosity or contempt
Don't make a spectacle of yourself!
spectacle
noun
1
as in pageant
an elaborate, visually exciting show or event the multimedia spectacles that have become established parts of the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic Games Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- pageant
- spectacular
- extravaganza
- exhibit
- exhibition
- display
- circus
- raree-show
- exposition
2
as in glass
spectacles plural a pair of lenses set in a frame that is held in place with ear supports and which are usually worn to correct vision bought a pair of spectacles with nonprescription lenses simply to look more intelligent Synonyms & Similar Words
- glass
- sunglasses
- eyeglasses
- goggles
- lorgnette
- specs
- monocle
- contact lens
- half-glasses
- bifocals
- trifocals
- pince-nez