spotter

noun

spot·​ter ˈspä-tər How to pronounce spotter (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for spotter

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spotter was in 1611

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spotter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spotter. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

spotter

noun
spot·​ter ˈspät-ər How to pronounce spotter (audio)
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)

More from Merriam-Webster on spotter

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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