spectator
gb/spˈɛkteɪtɚ/ us/spˈɛkteɪtɚ/
B1
English
~ 8100
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Person who watches an event
A person who watches an event but does not join in it.
Usage pattern:
a/the spectator at [an event]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "spectator" with "audience" and "viewer". Use "spectator" mainly for live events like sports games, races, or outdoor shows, especially where people stand or sit around an area. Use "audience" for concerts, theater, talks, and most indoor performances. Use "viewers" for people watching TV or online video.
Synonyms
onlooker (Often suggests someone who happens to be watching, sometimes at an accident or unexpected event.)
|
viewer (More common for people watching TV or online video rather than live events.)
|
audience member (Used more for people watching a performance, show, or speech indoors.)
Antonyms
participant (A general word for someone who is actively taking part in an event instead of just watching.)
|
player (Used mainly in sports and games for someone playing rather than watching.)
Collocations
thousands of spectators
|spectator sport
|spectator stands
|spectator area
|spectator seating
|spectator crowd
Themes
sports
|entertainment
|social
|arts_entertainment
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Thousands of spectators filled the stadium for the final match.
- As spectators, we were asked to stay behind the barrier for our own safety.
- The spectators cheered loudly when the runner crossed the finish line.
- Security staff moved the spectators away from the edge of the track.
- Even the neutral spectators were impressed by the team’s performance.
Learner examples
- Many spectators stood and clapped at the end of the game.
- Spectators must buy a ticket to enter the stadium.
- The race started while the spectators watched from the road.
- Spectators waited in the rain to see the players.
- Police asked the spectators to move back.
Grammar
Dictionary form
spectator
IPA
GB/spˈɛkteɪtɚ/
US/spˈɛkteɪtɚ/
Syllables & stress
spec - tat - or (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (spec)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: spectator
- Plural: spectators
Word family
Forms
spectators
noun
Core family
spectate
verb
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
unspectacular
adjective
Expressions
spectator sport
1/spˈɛkteɪtɚ spˈɔɹt/
fixed phrase
Activity mainly watched for enjoyment
An activity or sport that many people like to watch, even if they do not play it themselves.
Examples
- Football is a huge spectator sport in many countries.
- Tennis has become more of a spectator sport thanks to television coverage.
- In some cities, marathon running is a major spectator sport, with crowds lining the streets.