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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
That inner drive is harder to see than the spectacular plays that go viral on social media. Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 29 May 2025 These sharper views also aid our understanding of filament eruptions and coronal mass ejections, powerful blasts of plasma that fuel space weather, disrupt technology, and light up the skies with spectacular auroras. Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 29 May 2025
Noun
Each has a turn to outdo the other, making for a grand vocal spectacular. 81. Steven J. Horowitz, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2025 The nighttime spectacular makes a return, while Wondrous Journeys will feature state-of-the-art projections. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for spectacular

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spectacular.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectacular. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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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