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
The protests became tense when Coast Guard officials fired multiple shots at a U-Haul truck, whose driver allegedly attempted to reverse onto the barricaded bridge to the island, striking the driver and another bystander.
—
Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025
The incident’s location—a crowded outdoor bar patio—underscores ongoing debates over public safety, law enforcement pursuit policies, and the balance between deterring dangerous driving while protecting bystanders.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Shortly thereafter, a bystander realized something wasn't right and alerted a lifeguard, Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau Chief Kalani Vierra told WBTW.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Last weekend, tens of thousands from across the world traveled to New York City to run the iconic marathon, attracting friends, families and bystanders to cheer the runners on.
—Sam Woodward, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bystander
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Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 8 Nov. 2025
The incident’s location—a crowded outdoor bar patio—underscores ongoing debates over public safety, law enforcement pursuit policies, and the balance between deterring dangerous driving while protecting bystanders.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025
Shortly thereafter, a bystander realized something wasn't right and alerted a lifeguard, Kauai Ocean Safety Bureau Chief Kalani Vierra told WBTW.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
Last weekend, tens of thousands from across the world traveled to New York City to run the iconic marathon, attracting friends, families and bystanders to cheer the runners on.
—Sam Woodward, USA Today, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bystander
Cite this Entry
“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bystander. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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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