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

When Martinez throws something back, the woman rushes toward her, throws her to the ground, grabs her by the hair and repeatedly attacks her as bystanders try to step in and help. —Jasmine Viel, CBS News, 24 June 2026

The Montreal Gazette identified the civilian victim as 68-year-old Michael Mizrahi, whom the outlet described as a bystander caught in the crossfire. —Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 23 June 2026

Hayward police say two bystanders rescued a woman from a kidnapper Friday afternoon. —Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 21 June 2026

The bystander was shot in the leg and is in stable condition at Christ Hospital. —Allison Kiehl, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 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