Meaning & use

spectacles

noun·Everyday

A pair of lenses set in a frame that is worn over the eyes to correct or improve vision.

See it in a sentence

She reached for her spectacles to read the fine print on the label.

The old professor peered over his spectacles at the nervous students.

A note on using this word

Spectacles is a somewhat formal or old-fashioned term; glasses is the more common everyday word in American English.

Words with a similar meaning

glasseseyeglasses

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

Impressive public displays or events that attract attention as entertainment.

The opening ceremony featured elaborate spectacles of dance, fire, and music.

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