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

Synonyms of bystander

• observer
• spectator
• viewer

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

So, what does this mean for the markets, and us bystanders, in this awful situation? — Clem Chambers, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026

The incident occurred near Southwest 14th Street, where a woman’s cries for help prompted nearby residents and bystanders to chase the suspect. — Abby Dodge, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026

The stunts included burnouts in the middle of the intersection, which resulted in a violent collision with two of the bystanders. — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 7 Aug. 2026

Police released video Friday of a mass shooting that killed three people at an Idaho In-N-Out Burger, and heaped praise on a bystander who engaged the gunman on a trail, slowing him down and giving authorities time to catch up. — Sarah Raza, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1584, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bystander

• commander
• expander
• highlander
• leander
• meander
• philander
• brander
• candor
• dander
• gander
• grander
• hander

Kids Definition

bystander

noun

by·​stand·​er -ˌstan-dər 

: a person standing near but taking no part in what is happening