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

Some legal observers have conjectured the 8th Circuit’s reversal of her injunction prompted her to stay her hand, over a concern that the appeals court would overrule her again.

From Los Angeles Times

Warsh, seen by observers as a defender of the Fed's independence, reassured traditional markets, prompting investors to sell safe-haven assets such as gold and silver, whose prices plunged.

From Barron's

As I swung my legs over the branch, my observer ran up into the crown of the tree to join the rest of the troop, but they didn’t flee this time.

From Literature

“The board came to the conclusion they were losing the heart and soul of the company,” one longtime Disney observer who was not authorized to comment publicly said at the time.

From Los Angeles Times

While Jackie and Shadow were out, eagle observers noticed there was a crack in one of the eggs, and they may have left because they knew one of the eggs may not be viable.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bystander
• onlooker
• viewer
• watcher
• witness