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

Even with a spotter, practicing some skills can be dangerous. —Elizabeth Gabriel, NPR, 2 Sep. 2024

In Kingfisher County, a spotter reported uprooted trees, snapped power lines, and damage to a home that might have been tornado-related, the weather service said. —Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 7 May 2024

These spotters report to local meteorologists, who examine radar data and other videos or photos sent to the NWS. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 10 July 2024

In Ohio, residents typically spot the birds in mid-April in the southern part of the state through early May in the north, according to the 2023 spotters' map. —Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spotter

• talent spotter
• trend spotter

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)