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

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.

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From Salon

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

From BBC

Teammates and onlookers at Guy's Meadow Stadium rushed to her aid and several phoned for an ambulance after realising the seriousness of her injury.

From BBC

Related Words

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