Spectacle vs. Spectacles — What's the Difference?

In general, spectacle refers to an event that is memorable for the appearance it creates. Derived in Middle English from c.

Something that can be seen or viewed, especially something of a remarkable or impressive nature.

Something that can be seen or viewed, especially something of a remarkable or impressive nature.

A public performance or display, especially one on a large or lavish scale.

A public performance or display, especially one on a large or lavish scale.

A regrettable public display, as of bad behavior

A regrettable public display, as of bad behavior

A pair of eyeglasses.

A pair of eyeglasses.

Something resembling eyeglasses in shape or suggesting them in function.

Something resembling eyeglasses in shape or suggesting them in function.

Plural of spectacle

An exciting or extraordinary scene, exhibition, performance etc.

A pair of lenses set in a frame worn on the nose and ears in order to correct deficiencies in eyesight or to ornament the face.

An embarrassing or unedifying scene or situation.

(cricket) pair

An optical instrument consisting of two lenses set in a light frame, worn to assist sight, or to protect the eyes from bright light.

Optical instrument consisting of a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision

(obsolete) A spyglass; a looking-glass.

The brille of a snake.

(rail transport) A frame with different coloured lenses on a semaphore signal through which light from a lamp shines at night, often a part of the signal arm.

Something exhibited to view; usually, something presented to view as extraordinary, or as unusual and worthy of special notice; a remarkable or noteworthy sight; a show; a pageant; a gazingstock.

A spy-glass; a looking-glass.

An optical instrument consisting of two lenses set in a light frame, and worn to assist sight, to obviate some defect in the organs of vision, or to shield the eyes from bright light.

Fig.: An aid to the intellectual sight.

Something or someone seen (especially a notable or unusual sight);

An elaborate and remarkable display on a lavish scale

A blunder that makes you look ridiculous; used in the phrase `make a spectacle of' yourself