onlooker

noun

on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kər How to pronounce onlooker (audio)
ˈän-
: one that looks on
especially : a passive spectator
onlooking adjective

Examples of onlooker in a Sentence

Curious onlookers watched the ceremony. An onlooker noticed the disturbance. A crowd of onlookers gathered at the fire.
Recent Examples on the Web Dressed in their finest frocks and wearing hats of all different shades, onlookers at the opening day of the five-day racing festival in Berkshire, southeast England, on Tuesday applauded as the royals passed by. Billy Stockwell, CNN, 21 June 2024 The video then showed the kitten trapped in between two wheels while onlookers attempted to figure out how to rescue it. Gabrielle Rockson, Peoplemag, 20 June 2024 And to allow onlookers to gaze at that V16 power plant—and for cooling purposes—the engine sits open to the elements. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 20 June 2024 First responders arrived about 15 minutes later, Portland Fire & Rescue said, and worked with park staff members to lower the 28 riders to the ground as onlookers clapped. Ben Brasch, Washington Post, 16 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for onlooker 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'onlooker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onlooker was in 1606

Dictionary Entries Near onlooker

Cite this Entry

“Onlooker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onlooker. Accessed 1 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

onlooker

noun
on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇k-ər How to pronounce onlooker (audio)
ˈän-

More from Merriam-Webster on onlooker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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