spectacle
/ˈspɛktəkl̩/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
An exciting or extraordinary scene, exhibition, performance etc.
Noun
Examples
The horse race was a thrilling spectacle.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
An embarrassing or unedifying scene or situation.
Noun
Examples
He made a spectacle out of himself.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “spectacle” mean?
An exciting or extraordinary scene, exhibition, performance etc.
Is “spectacle” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.