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noun B1 Intermediate Uncommon

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.
"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 notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who watches something happen, especially a sporting event, rather than joining in.

Common pairings
spectator sport a crowd of spectators

Word forms

spectators plural

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Thousands of _____ lined the streets for the marathon.

Etymology

From Latin spectator, "watcher," from specto, "to watch," from specio, "to look at."

Origin: Latin

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.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial