observer

[uhb-zur-ver]

noun

1. someone or something that observes.

2. a delegate to an assembly or gathering, who is sent to observe and report but not to take part officially in its activities.

3. U.S. Air Force.

   1. a member of an aircrew, other than the pilot, holding an aeronautical rating.

   2. a person who maintains observation in an aircraft during flight.

4. Also called air observer,. Also called aircraft observer. U.S. Army.,  a person who serves in an aircraft as a reconnoiterer and directs artillery fire.

Other Word Forms

• observership noun
• interobserver noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of observer¹

First recorded in 1545–55; observe + -er ¹

Example Sentences

A medieval observer described the Arab world during its golden age: “Everything produced from the earth is there. Carts carry countless goods to markets, where everything is available and cheap.”

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An acute crisis in U.S.-India relations has spooked observers across the region.

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Burnette: When we say a driverless truck, we mean no human in the cab, no observer, no safety person, nobody in the back seat—there’s just nobody present in the cab.

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Some media observers see the Free Press deal as further evidence that Ellison is trying to score points with the White House.

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While the guidance has the right intention, it can feel patronizing and constraining, some employees and observers say.

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Related Words

• bystander 
• onlooker 
• viewer 
• watcher 
• witness