observer

American  

[uhb-zur-ver] / əbˈzɜr vər /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• interobserver noun
• observership noun

Etymology

Origin of observer

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

Example Sentences

You were given “observer status” at the management committee rather than a real seat.

From The Wall Street Journal

But reasonable observers can admit that any sane policy will, to a greater or lesser degree, look ugly.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the absence of her sober recordings, many observers turned again to the fantastic folk tales.

From The Wall Street Journal

One, often described as aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood, and represented by Meshaal and parts of the external leadership, is viewed by observers as more pragmatic and less ideologically rigid.

From BBC

The move disrupted both Russian and Ukrainian systems, military observers said.

From Barron's

Related Words

• bystander
• onlooker
• viewer
• watcher
• witness