onlooker

noun

on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kər 

ˈän-

: one that looks on

especially : a passive spectator

onlooking

ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kiŋ 

ˈän-

adjective

Synonyms of onlooker

• observer
• spectator
• viewer

Examples of onlooker in a Sentence

Curious onlookers watched the ceremony.

An onlooker noticed the disturbance.

A crowd of onlookers gathered at the fire.

Recent Examples on the Web

The clip then shows Bader walking down the sidewalk in the shoes as onlookers can’t help but notice the bizarre footwear. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026

As the sun dips below the horizon, a fleet of onlookers on jet skis and boats idle on the water to catch a peek of the vivacious scene. — Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Oakland mayor Barbara Lee, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Warriors guard Gary Payton II were among the onlookers in attendance. — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026

While the industry is no stranger to turmoil, the recently rapid pace of change is keeping media investors and onlookers on their toes. — Alex Sherman,lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for onlooker

• booker
• cooker
• looker
• rooker
• snooker

Kids Definition

onlooker

noun

on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇k-ər 

ˈän-

: spectator