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

Virginia’s record-breaking heat did not deter the hundreds of family members, friends and onlookers from celebrating. — Swasti Singhai, USA Today, 4 July 2026

On Thursday afternoon, onlookers couldn’t glean any information about this weekend’s festivities. — Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 2 July 2026

Cellphone videos recorded by onlookers captured the confusion at the scene as the pair stood near the building’s needle. — Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 1 July 2026

Collins is now onw of the onlookers, hoping the fire doesn't keep advancing towards more residences. — Jack Lowenstein, CBS News, 1 July 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