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
That could even include bystanders.
—
Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 13 Mar. 2026
At least three bystanders were able to contain the shooter in the middle of the stands as the crowd fled and ran around them.
—ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Numerous bystanders waved for assistance, prompting the president to turn around and call over medics.
—Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Most bystanders hung back, but Pittenger’s sister took action.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bystander
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Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 13 Mar. 2026
At least three bystanders were able to contain the shooter in the middle of the stands as the crowd fled and ran around them.
—ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Numerous bystanders waved for assistance, prompting the president to turn around and call over medics.
—Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Mar. 2026
Most bystanders hung back, but Pittenger’s sister took action.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bystander
Cite this Entry
“Bystander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bystander. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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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