spotter

noun

spot·​ter ˈspä-tər 

1

: one that makes or applies a spot (as for identification)

2

: one that looks or keeps watch: such as

a

: one that locates enemy targets

b

: a civilian who watches for approaching airplanes

c

: a person who assists another during exercise (as to prevent injury)

3

: one that removes spots

4

: one that places something on or in a desired spot

Examples of spotter in a Sentence

When you lift weights, you should always have a spotter.

Recent Examples on the Web

According to ship spotters, the Ohio left its homeport in late February for a westward voyage to Hawaii. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 May 2025

For Con Ed, spotters are an easy solution to a persistent problem. —Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 5 May 2025

To keep tabs on the inevitable demise of Kosmos 482, check sites like Heavens Above, which provide star charts and times the craft will be passing by for skilled backyard telescope spotters. —Eric MacK, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Medical degree or no, concussion spotters are supposed to pull guys for evaluation. —Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 1 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spotter

• talent spotter
• trend spotter

Rhymes for spotter

• blotter
• cotter
• daughter
• hotter
• mater
• otter
• plotter
• rotter
• slaughter
• squatter
• totter
• trotter

Kids Definition

spotter

noun

spot·​ter ˈspät-ər 

1

: a person who removes spots

2

: a person who keeps watch : observer

3

: a person who helps another during exercise (as to prevent injury)