spectacle meaning

UK /ˈspɛktəkəl/ US /ˈspɛktəkəl/ 3 syllables

spectacle (noun): something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight).

spectacle has 3 meanings in this dictionary.

spectacle as a noun

  1. something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight)
    • the tragic spectacle of cripples trying to escape

    Type of: sight

    Related forms: spectacular

  2. an elaborate and remarkable display on a lavish scale

    Type of: display

    Kinds: bullfight, naumachy

    Related forms: spectacular

  3. a blunder that makes you look ridiculous; used in the phrase `make a spectacle of' yourself

    Type of: blunder

How to pronounce spectacle

spectacle is pronounced /ˈspɛktəkəl/ in British English and /ˈspɛktəkəl/ in American English. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.

Word lists: words starting with SP · words ending in LE · 9-letter words

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