spectator
spehk-TAY-tuh
Spectator (noun) means someone who watches an event without taking part in it. Example: “Thousands of spectators lined the streets for the marathon.”
noun
1
Someone who watches an event without taking part in it.
"The cheering spectators watched the fireworks."
"Thousands of spectators lined the streets for the marathon."
"He was just a spectator at the meeting, not a participant."
How to use spectator
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who watches something happen, especially a sporting event, rather than joining in.
Common pairings
spectator sport
a crowd of spectators
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like spectator.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- spectators
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Thousands of _____ lined the streets for the marathon.
Etymology
From Latin spectator, "watcher," from specto, "to watch," from specio, "to look at."
Related words
Rhymes for spectator
See all rhymes for spectator →Frequently asked questions
What does “spectator” mean?
The word “spectator” means someone who watches an event without taking part in it. In plain terms, someone who watches something happen, especially a sporting event, rather than joining in.
How do you pronounce “spectator”?
“Spectator” is pronounced spehk-TAY-tuh (/ˈspɛkteɪtɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spectator” in a sentence?
Here is “spectator” used in a sentence: “Thousands of spectators lined the streets for the marathon.”
What is another word for “spectator”?
Words with a similar meaning to “spectator” include audience, observer and crowd.
What part of speech is “spectator”?
“Spectator” is a noun.
Where does the word “spectator” come from?
The word “spectator” comes from Latin. From Latin spectator, "watcher," from specto, "to watch," from specio, "to look at.".
Is “spectator” a common word?
“Spectator” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
