spectacular

1 of 2

adjective

spec·​tac·​u·​lar spek-ˈta-kyə-lər How to pronounce spectacular (audio)
spək-
: of, relating to, or being a spectacle : striking, sensational
a spectacular display of fireworks
spectacularly adverb

spectacular

2 of 2

noun

: something that is spectacular
especially : an elaborate film, television, or theatrical production

Examples of spectacular in a Sentence

Adjective a spectacular play in a football game The autumn foliage was spectacular. Noun the larger-than-life spectaculars that make Las Vegas attractive to people with little interest in gambling
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The day starts and ends with one of Texas’ spectacular sunrises and sunsets — best viewed from the wrap-around deck enveloping each of the property’s 22 safari tents. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024 The congress is led by delegations from England, Russia, Austria, Prussia and France – and steered by strong women who use their influence to support peace negotiations – in what is a high-stakes political game involving luck, money, love and power, set against the spectacular backdrop of Vienna. Ed Meza, Variety, 20 Mar. 2024 Hosted by Trixie Mattel and featuring Meatball, Scarlett BoBo, Alyssa Edwards, Jimbo and Latrice Royale, order up your ticket to amazing comedy, music, and of course spectacular drag. Ali Lerman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2024 The movement also features a spectacular triple-axis gravitational tourbillon that rotates with the music while ensuring accurate timekeeping. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 20 Mar. 2024 There are no spectacular leaps, only a bit of bulldogging back to the shore or boat. David A. Rose, Field & Stream, 20 Mar. 2024 At least not by car… Gabriela: That was spectacular. Quartz Staff, Quartz, 19 Mar. 2024 It’s been a spectacular fall from grace for China Evergrande Group, the property giant at the heart of China’s real estate crisis. Lionel Lim, Fortune Asia, 19 Mar. 2024 Here are a few of our favorite waterfall spots to take your pooch: Dawn Falls, Baltimore Canyon Open Space Preserve, Larkspur At the headwaters of Larkspur Creek, this 193-acre preserve encompasses a lovely canyon filled with history, stately trees and a spectacular waterfall. Lisa Bloch, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2024
Noun
Rumor has it that Disney will add drone shows to the nighttime spectaculars at its Anaheim theme parks, similar to those featured at Disneyland Paris. Gideon Kimbrell, Rolling Stone, 13 Mar. 2024 This is Halpin’s second rodeo at the NFL spectacular. Bryan West, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2024 But, in fact, her 007 spectacular garnered more publicity than Katharine could have ever imagined because of a certain Downing Street publicity moment. Alice Newbold, Vogue, 18 Feb. 2024 Parades, nighttime spectaculars and character greetings may be temporarily canceled or modified. Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee, Florida Every year, the family resort Gaylord Palms puts on an over-the-top holiday spectacular called ICE! Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 3 Nov. 2023 Saweetie, whose nails are on display in a glass case in the entry room of the exhibit, was on hand at the preview, marveling at the aural spectacular. Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 6 Oct. 2023 White Castle: Leading up to the spooky spectacular, the burger spot is conjuring up some deals. Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 15 Oct. 2023 Last night, the stars descended on London to celebrate Vogue World, a fashion spectacular staged to celebrate and fundraise for the arts. Alexandre Marain, Vogue, 15 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spectacular.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin spectaculum

First Known Use

Adjective

1682, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectacular was in 1682

Dictionary Entries Near spectacular

Cite this Entry

“Spectacular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacular. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spectacular

adjective
spec·​tac·​u·​lar
spek-ˈtak-yə-lər,
spək-
: of, relating to, or being a spectacle : exciting to see : sensational
a spectacular sunset
spectacularly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on spectacular

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