onlooker

noun

on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kər 

ˈän-

: one that looks on

especially : a passive spectator

onlooking

ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kiŋ 

ˈän-

adjective

Synonyms

• bystander
• observer
• spectator
• viewer
• watcher

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

When the trash truck compacted the garbage, the liquid turned to gas and sent up a plume that onlookers confused for smoke. —Rhiannon Saegert, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2025

One of the whales was seen capturing a bird and taking it below water, sparking gasps from onlookers. —CBS News, 4 Mar. 2025

After Berry and Brody's reunion smooch, Brody smiled big, and the pair hugged it out as onlookers cheered. —Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 4 Mar. 2025

The artist painted it directly on the walls during museum visiting hours, often stopping to discuss his process with curious onlookers. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1606, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for onlooker

• booker
• cooker
• looker
• rooker
• snooker

Kids Definition

onlooker

noun

on·​look·​er ˈȯn-ˌlu̇k-ər 

ˈän-

: spectator