spotter

noun

spot·​ter ˈspä-tər 

1

: one that makes or applies a spot (as for identification)

2

: one that looks or keeps watch: such as

a

: one that locates enemy targets

b

: a civilian who watches for approaching airplanes

c

: a person who assists another during exercise (as to prevent injury)

3

: one that removes spots

4

: one that places something on or in a desired spot

Examples of spotter in a Sentence

When you lift weights, you should always have a spotter.

Recent Examples on the Web

One example is its interactive AI trend spotter tool that detects early signals of fast-growing trends, like the recent Scandi Girl make-up from Scandinavia that has gone viral. —Michelle Greenwald, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

The spotter’s job is to identify the most relevant players on every play – mainly tackler and ball carriers – then hold a flash card with the players’ names in case the broadcasters can’t identify them right away. —Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 11 Aug. 2024

According to a ship spotter in Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory that borders Spain to the north, the USS Harry S. Truman, one of 11 U.S. Navy aircraft carriers in service, was seen sailing into the Mediterranean from the Atlantic Ocean via the Strait of Gibraltar. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2024

Empowerment is about creating a space and place where your problem spotters are unafraid to become problem solvers. —Curtis Odom, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spotter

• talent spotter
• trend spotter

Kids Definition

spotter

noun

spot·​ter ˈspät-ər 

1

: a person who removes spots

2

: a person who keeps watch : observer

3

: a person who helps another during exercise (as to prevent injury)