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
The pair were derailed — and the incident nearly veered into violence — when a bystander who supported the mural tried to intervene.
—
Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2025
The researchers also discovered that PRIMER cells are surrounded by another population called bystander cells, which seem to be important for transmitting the immune response throughout the plant.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
Between the lines: In the video, most of what's visible of Bourbon Street appears clear, though a handful of bystanders can be spotted both in front of the truck and on the sidewalk behind it.
—Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 10 Jan. 2025
Eventually, a group of bystanders banded together to help pull them out, one by one, using what appears to be a rope.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for bystander 
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Andrew Lapin, Sun Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2025
The researchers also discovered that PRIMER cells are surrounded by another population called bystander cells, which seem to be important for transmitting the immune response throughout the plant.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025
Between the lines: In the video, most of what's visible of Bourbon Street appears clear, though a handful of bystanders can be spotted both in front of the truck and on the sidewalk behind it.
—Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 10 Jan. 2025
Eventually, a group of bystanders banded together to help pull them out, one by one, using what appears to be a rope.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA TODAY, 7 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for bystander
Dictionary Entries Near bystander
Cite this Entry
“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bystander. Accessed 30 Jan. 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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