bystander
noun
by·stand·er
ˈbī-ˌstan-dər 
: one who is present but not taking part in a situation or event : a chance spectator
innocent bystanders who were injured in the shooting
Examples of bystander in a Sentence
Two innocent bystanders were injured in the shooting.
bystanders rushed to help the victim of the mugging
Recent Examples on the Web
In a photo and video captured by a bystander and shared on X of the April birthday stroll, Cruise walked next to de Armas with his hands behind his back.
—
Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2025
Many bystanders hesitate to perform CPR or other life-saving measures due to fear of doing it incorrectly or freezing under pressure.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2025
After another bystander, also a former Marine, pulled out his gun, the suspect dropped the knife.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
He was held at the scene by a bystander until authorities arrived, according to officials in a July 27 news release.
—Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2025
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Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2025
Many bystanders hesitate to perform CPR or other life-saving measures due to fear of doing it incorrectly or freezing under pressure.
—Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2025
After another bystander, also a former Marine, pulled out his gun, the suspect dropped the knife.
—Jade Walker, CNN Money, 28 July 2025
He was held at the scene by a bystander until authorities arrived, according to officials in a July 27 news release.
—Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for bystander
Cite this Entry
“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bystander. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bystander
noun
by·stand·er
-ˌstan-dər
: a person standing near but taking no part in what is happening
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