onlooker

noun

on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kər How to pronounce onlooker (audio)
ˈän-
: one that looks on
especially : a passive spectator
onlooking adjective

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 Crowd bids farewell to Bubba With his rehab complete, Bubba was taken to the seashore in Cocoa Beach on Thursday, July 11, and released into the ocean, while a crowd of onlookers bid him farewell. Mike Snider, USA TODAY, 13 July 2024 He was photographed with blood on his face and fell to the ground before a crowd of onlookers. Donica Phifer, Axios, 13 July 2024 Disgusted onlookers destroyed what remained of the structure, and the LaLaurie family reportedly sold the land by 1837. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 10 July 2024 Crowds of onlookers gathered to snap photos of the players. Matt Murschel, Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for onlooker 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'onlooker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onlooker was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near onlooker

Cite this Entry

“Onlooker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onlooker. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

onlooker

noun
on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇k-ər How to pronounce onlooker (audio)
ˈän-

More from Merriam-Webster on onlooker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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