observer

noun

ob·​serv·​er əb-ˈzər-vər How to pronounce observer (audio)
: one that observes: such as
a
: a representative sent to observe but not participate officially in an activity (such as a meeting or war)
b
: an expert analyst and commentator in a particular field
political observers

Examples of observer in a Sentence

According to one observer, the event was poorly organized. The star is not visible to an observer without a telescope. According to one military observer, this change comes after years of planning. Observers say the economy is improving. The class has an observer today, so please be on your best behavior.
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.
This time, Libertarian nominee Eric Joss dropped out in early September and endorsed Evans, a move that was seen by some observers as improving the GOP candidate’s odds in a close race. Lauren Penington, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024 That helped fuel the walloping Democrats received locally and nationally in Tuesday’s election, observers say. Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 9 Nov. 2024 The state was, and mostly still is, expected to vote for Trump comfortably, but the poll was notable because observers viewed it as a strong indicator of how Iowa and the country as a whole may vote. Jared Gans, The Hill, 5 Nov. 2024 Although the states did not cave to this pressure and none of the challenges succeeded, the turmoil caused some observers to argue that control of elections needs to be centralized. Jenna Bednar, Foreign Affairs, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for observer 

Word History

Etymology

observe + -er entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of observer was circa 1550

Dictionary Entries Near observer

Cite this Entry

“Observer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observer. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on observer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!