bystander
noun
by·stand·er
ˈbī-ˌstan-dər 
: one who is present but not taking part in a situation or event : a chance spectator
innocent bystanders who were injured in the shooting
Examples of bystander in a Sentence
Two innocent bystanders were injured in the shooting.
bystanders rushed to help the victim of the mugging
Recent Examples on the Web
This includes understanding the geopolitical context, the influence of technology, and the psychological factors that contribute to the bystander effect.
Appreciation: Value the unique capabilities of both human and artificial intelligence.
—
Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 35, appeared to playfully flaunt his butt to bystanders while playing golf with Patrick Mahomes at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, as seen in fan photos shared on X.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Within moments of its opening song, the crowd, once at a standstill, began moving in every direction — couples were spinning in circles, bystanders were being pulled onto the dance floor and the sense of community was palpable.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
The off-duty officer involved in the shooting is credited with saving the lives of innocent bystanders waiting for their chicken sandwiches.
—Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bystander
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Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs tight end, 35, appeared to playfully flaunt his butt to bystanders while playing golf with Patrick Mahomes at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, as seen in fan photos shared on X.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Within moments of its opening song, the crowd, once at a standstill, began moving in every direction — couples were spinning in circles, bystanders were being pulled onto the dance floor and the sense of community was palpable.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 12 Mar. 2025
The off-duty officer involved in the shooting is credited with saving the lives of innocent bystanders waiting for their chicken sandwiches.
—Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 3 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bystander
Cite this Entry
“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bystander. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bystander
noun
by·stand·er
-ˌstan-dər
: a person standing near but taking no part in what is happening
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