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noun

spectator

spehk-TAY-tuh
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."

Related Words

Rhymes for spectator

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial