passerby

noun

pass·​er·​by ˌpa-sər-ˈbī 

ˈpa-sər-ˌbī

plural passersby ˌpa-sərz-ˈbī 

ˈpa-sərz-ˌbī

: one who passes by

A passerby saw the accident and offered to help.

Examples of passerby in a Sentence

A passerby saw the accident and stopped to help.

Passersby were asked if they were registered to vote.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to prosecutors, the suspect tried to fire at a passerby, but his rifle jammed. — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Yuba County sheriff’s officials said a passerby spotted the body within an orchard near the road. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Before crews arrived, officials said a passerby stopped his vehicle and attempted to reach the woman inside but was initially unable to enter because of the intense heat. — Richard Ramos, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Its popularity was proven when a passerby recognized the dish from a distance and raved about the favor. — Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

passerby

noun

pass·​er·​by ˌpas-ər-ˈbī 

plural passersby ˌpas-ərz- 

: one who passes by