onlooker

noun

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

Synonyms

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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
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.
Photos taken of family members, celebrities, sketchbooks, and Pokémon cards are displayed so onlookers can further understand his journey of vulnerability from adolescence to now. — Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025 Woll may strike onlookers as more of a stereotypical goalie who lives in his head. — Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025 Emergency crews carried black body bags from a burning apartment building as onlookers wept and hugged in the dark. — Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2025 Cast members appear to be ushering the onlookers towards the park exit in some of the clips. — Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for onlooker

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of onlooker was in 1606

Rhymes for onlooker

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Browse Nearby Words

on loan
onlooker
only
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Cite this Entry

“Onlooker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/onlooker. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

onlooker

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

More from Merriam-Webster on onlooker

Nglish: Translation of onlooker for Spanish Speakers

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