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

Prosecutors said bystanders subdued Arredondo-Garcia until authorities arrived. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2026

The beetles emerge in the summer to feed, mate and crash inadvertently into unsuspecting bystanders. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Because bystanders have no financial stake in the outcome, their read on signal colors, vehicle speeds, and lane use can be especially useful. — Matthew Kayser, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026

Medics and crews with the New Haven Fire Department were assisted by bystanders in pulling the man from the water, according to Bruckhart. — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 20 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