onlooker

noun

on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kər 

ˈän-

: one that looks on

especially : a passive spectator

onlooking

ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kiŋ 

ˈän-

adjective

Synonyms of onlooker

• observer
• spectator
• viewer

Examples of onlooker in a Sentence

Curious onlookers watched the ceremony.

An onlooker noticed the disturbance.

A crowd of onlookers gathered at the fire.

Recent Examples on the Web

Cranston leaned into the theatrics, drilling into the bone to the delight of onlookers. — Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

The fatal escalation over beach furniture left onlookers stunned. — Jessica Mekles, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Dion appeared to be surrounded by security, with onlookers close to her yet respectful of her space. — Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2026

Helpless onlookers watched as the three vanished into the churning rapids. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for onlooker

• booker
• cooker
• looker
• rooker
• snooker

Kids Definition

onlooker

noun

on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇k-ər 

ˈän-

: spectator