bystander
noun
by·stand·er
ˈbī-ˌstan-dər 
: 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
In another video, the pilot is seen standing up as bystanders look on, with thick black smoke billowing in the distant background.
—
Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026
Police said the teen, believed to be between 14 and 16 years of age, fired a shot that hit the innocent bystander in the foot.
—Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026
The bystander ultimately joined Borsutzki.
—Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
At least three bystanders were able to contain the shooter in the middle of the stands as the crowd fled and ran around them.
—ABC News, 28 Feb. 2026
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Helen Regan, CNN Money, 2 Mar. 2026
Police said the teen, believed to be between 14 and 16 years of age, fired a shot that hit the innocent bystander in the foot.
—Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 1 Mar. 2026
The bystander ultimately joined Borsutzki.
—Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
At least three bystanders were able to contain the shooter in the middle of the stands as the crowd fled and ran around them.
—ABC News, 28 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bystander
Cite this Entry
“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bystander. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bystander
noun
by·stand·er
-ˌstan-dər
: a person standing near but taking no part in what is happening
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