Spectator Meaning
/spɛkˈteɪtə/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounOne who watches an event; especially, an event held outdoors.
nounOne who observes, sees, or views something; an observer.
Sentence Examples
What's your favorite spectator sport?
Tom has no interest whatsoever in spectator sports.
CEFR Practice Quiz
Several hundred ____ watched the exciting game loudly from the crowded stands.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A curious ____ stood at the edge of the crowd, watching the street performers with great interest.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Latin spectātor, from frequentative verb spectō (“watch”), from speciō (“look at”). Equivalent to spectate + -or. Doublet of speculator.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Bart spies an opportunity to make a quick buck so he channels his inner carny and posits his sinking house as a natural wonder of the world and its inhabitants as freaks, barking to dazzled spectators, “Behold the horrors of the Slanty Shanty! See the twisted creatures that dwell within! Meet Cue-Ball, the man with no hair!”"
— 2012 May 20, Nathan Rabin, “TV: Review: THE SIMPSONS (CLASSIC): “Marge Gets A Job” (season 4, episode 7; originally aired 11/05/1992)”, in The Onion AV Club:
"The ſpring diſplaying her elegant taſte, the proud walk of the gold-feathered pheaſant, the light tread of the ſmall-hoofed hind, and the dancing of the ſtar-trained peacock, infuſed joy into the ſoul of the ſpectator of the aſtoniſhing works of the Creator."
— 1769, Firishta, translated by Alexander Dow, Tales translated from the Persian of Inatulla of Delhi, volume I, Dublin: P. and W. Wilson et al., page v:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
Several hundred ____ watched the exciting game loudly from the crowded stands.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
A curious ____ stood at the edge of the crowd, watching the street performers with great interest.