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

• observer
• onlooker
• spectator
• viewer
• watcher

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 a separate video on Douyin, China’s version of TikTok, a bystander spotted the towering basketball player at the temple. —Kathleen Magramo, CNN Money, 10 June 2025

The health concerns from EV fires arise for anyone nearby, particularly bystanders downwind of the smoke plume who may inhale toxic combustion byproducts, Caban-Martinez said. —Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 10 June 2025

Safe, easy to use, and non-addictive, naloxone is designed for use by bystanders and first responders alike. —Jackie Siegel, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 June 2025

Boise police and fire departments responded to a 911 call from a bystander just before 8 p.m. Tuesday, the Boise Police Department said. —Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 5 June 2025

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