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

Parts of the Indian Peaks Wilderness saw more than 23 inches of snow, Longs Peak reported more than 15 inches, Loveland Pass recorded more than 12 inches and Berthoud Pass saw upwards of 18 inches, according to spotter reports from the weather service. —Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 8 Mar. 2026

By comparison, a tornado warning is an alert issued when a tornado is seen by on-the-ground spotters or observed in data from weather radars. —Dale Denwalt, Oklahoman, 6 Mar. 2026

Already, new diary-spotters who’ve heard about my book’s impending publication have stepped up. —Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026

He was replaced by Myatt Snider who had been working as a pit spotter for the Fox broadcast. —Jim Vertuno, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

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)