Synonyms

passerby

American

[pas-er-bahy, -bahy, pah-ser-] / ˈpæs ərˈbaɪ, -ˌbaɪ, ˈpɑ sər- /

Or passer-by

noun

plural

passersby

a person passing by.

Etymology

Origin of passerby

1560–70; pass by + -er ¹, with postposing of the particle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The mischievous thieving monkey Ukiki is once again trying to make off with the belongings of a passerby when he is stopped by another traveler: Princess Daisy.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Restaurant terraces sit deserted, while souvenir, watersports and perfume vendors watch for the rare passerby.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

Any prudent passerby would think twice before approaching a clearing with a tower made of hundreds of skulls at its center.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

There was no expectation of notice, but a passerby took a photo and posted it online.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026

Rather, it foists itself on the eye of the passerby in a manner that is both irritating and melancholy.

From "The Bluest Eye" by Toni Morrison

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023