bystander

noun

by·​stand·​er ˈbī-ˌstan-dər How to pronounce bystander (audio)
Synonyms of bystandernext
: one who is present but not taking part in a situation or event : a chance spectator
innocent bystanders who were injured in the shooting

Examples of bystander in a Sentence

Two innocent bystanders were injured in the shooting. bystanders rushed to help the victim of the mugging
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.
Firefighters found a crowd of bystanders gathered around a drain and confirmed that several ducklings were swimming at the bottom in a pool of water. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 13 May 2026 The outlet reported that three bystanders subdued Estrada before officers arrived. Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026 But Warsh isn't a bystander who lucked his way into arguably the economy's most influential role. Matt Peterson, CNBC, 13 May 2026 Demoustier stars as a penniless young woman called Suzanne working on the ‘Venus Electrificata’ sideshow of a traveling fair meting out electrifying kisses to unsuspecting paying bystanders, while secretly being charged with electricity. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for bystander

Word History

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bystander was in 1584

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bystander. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

bystander

noun
by·​stand·​er -ˌstan-dər How to pronounce bystander (audio)
: a person standing near but taking no part in what is happening

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