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

NASA’s Artemis II fly-by mission will light up the Florida sky at launch, and observers can watch from miles away.

From The Wall Street Journal

He infuriated observers by constantly changing systems and selections, leaving players bamboozled.

From BBC

Early in 2025, multiple observers highlighted the Sphere's ongoing struggle to make money and one critic was left "confused and slightly dismayed" by their visit.

From BBC

Many observers found it surprising that officers felt there was no evidence to suggest they needed to carry out such tests.

From BBC

Other observers warned of potentially cataclysmic consequences in court for Meta and other Silicon Valley giants.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bystander
• onlooker
• viewer
• watcher
• witness