onlooker

[on-look-er, awn-]

noun

1. spectator; observer; witness.

onlooker

/ ˈɒnˌlʊkə /

noun

1. a person who observes without taking part

Other Word Forms

• onlooking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of onlooker¹

1600–10; on + looker, after verb phrase look on

Example Sentences

Moments later, another onlooker approached Sliwa and urged him to drop out.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

In the square, cheering onlookers voted for their favourite male after they were put through a series of trials, which ranged from explaining their choice of book to performing romantic songs.

Read more on BBC

They were shouting to onlookers to get back and move on.

Read more on BBC

Some seem to be smiling, reminiscent of the merry onlookers grinning for the camera in grisly lynching photos.

Read more on Salon

The armed officers shouted at onlookers to "get back" and "move on".

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bystander 
• observer 
• sightseer www.thesaurus.com
• spectator 
• viewer 
• watcher