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

Video recorded by a bystander near Northwest Third Avenue and 12th Court in Pompano Beach shows a K-9, held by its handler, biting Jerome’s ankle as deputies attempted to take him into custody. — Abby Dodge, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

The moments leading up to the shooting were captured by bystanders as well as Ross, a 10-year ICE veteran, whose cellphone video starts with him in front of Good’s burgundy SUV. — Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

The woman then walked to a nearby gas station where bystanders helped her and notified police. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 28 Sep. 2026

Innocent bystanders, including children, are often killed in the mass shootings. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 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