onlooker

noun

on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kər How to pronounce onlooker (audio)
ˈän-
Synonyms of onlookernext
: 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
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Unlike in the Bay Area, where his every struggle and success was dissected by onlookers local and abroad, the stakes are different in Atlanta. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 22 Mar. 2026 Later, on the winding hills of Andalusia, the vehicle proved itself an agile grand tourer, stopping onlookers in their tracks much the way the original Testarossa still does. Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2026 All through the park, competitors and onlookers hit vapes and shout tips and encouragements into trees. Calin Van Paris, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026 The city invited Rodríguez to the demolition in case some onlookers needed counseling. Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for onlooker

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onlooker was in 1606

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Cite this Entry

“Onlooker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onlooker. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

onlooker

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

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