B2noun2K

Spectator

UK /["/spekˈteɪtə(r)/"]/US /["/ˈspekteɪtər/"]/

Definition

a person who is watching an event, especially a sports event

In simple words: A person who watches something, like a game or show.

Examples

The new football stadium will hold 75 000 spectators.
Thousands of spectators lined the route of the royal procession.
He was rendered a virtual spectator for large parts of the game.
Spectators lined the route of the president's walkabout.
The stadium will seat 60 000 spectators.
This year's festival attracted 87 000 spectators.
I think soccer is the best spectator sport there is.

Usage notes

Used for any event where people watch. Not appropriate for participants; use 'contestant' for those taking part.

Grammar pattern

spectator + preposition (at, of)

Memory hint

Think of 'spec' as 'see' — a spectator is someone who sees the event.

Collocations

mere
passive
silent
crowd
attract
draw
seat
gather
turn up
line something
event
sport

Synonyms

onlooker
viewer
bystander
observer

Antonyms

participant
contestant

Common mistakes

Saying 'spectators' instead of 'audience' when referring to a movie theater.
Confusing with 'spectate' which is a verb.
Using it in contexts where 'participant' is more suitable.