English Dictionary
Definition of “spectacle”
spectacle (ˈspɛktəkəll
)
Definitions
noun
- a public display or performance, esp a showy or ceremonial one
- a thing or person seen, esp an unusual or ridiculous one ⇒
he makes a spectacle of himself
- a strange or interesting object or phenomenon
- (modifier) of or relating to spectacles ⇒
a spectacle case
Word Origin
C14: via Old French from Latin spectaculum a show, from spectāre to watch, from specere to look at
Usage examples
Eileen's lip curled at the spectacle of a cruise missile dispersing recognizable fragments of dove.
Moore, Margaret, Forests of the Night (1987)This coincidence, which makes the spectacle of total eclipses possible, has been crying out for an explanation.
New Scientist (1999)In turn-of-the-century America, the world's fair was more than just an entertaining spectacle of futuristic technology.
Globe and Mail (2003)A brilliant hi-tech discourse that makes for a compelling spectacle.
Glasgow Herald (2002)But We're no Angels offered squalor without humour, and the unfunny spectacle of two straight men looking for a comic.
John Baxter, DE NIRO: A Biography (2002)
