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

The Bee reviewed video of the shooting captured by a bystander at the scene. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026

The gunman was tackled by another teacher and fatally shot by an armed bystander, 36-year-old Kaylub Giamanco, who followed him into the school, according to police. — Kierra Frazier, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

As bystanders rushed to her aid, a local barber pulled the driver from the car, detaining him until police arrived. — Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2026

The bystander followed the 16-year-old gunman and shot him as another teacher was wrestling with him over the weapon, according to police. — Tom Winter, NBC news, 21 Oct. 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