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
The carriages have long been scrutinized for what critics say amounts to inhumane treatment of horses and safety issues for cab drivers and bystanders, especially when a thousand-pound animal gets spooked and charges.
—
Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025
One bystander was struck by shrapnel and was treated at a local hospital.
—Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Sep. 2025
Nine people have died in crashes related to police pursuits in Milwaukee this year, with most victims being innocent bystanders.
—Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 19 Sep. 2025
There are meaningful exchanges between NPCs, and also you, who is a real part of the story now rather than a quiet bystander as in past games.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bystander
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Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025
One bystander was struck by shrapnel and was treated at a local hospital.
—Kevin Grasha, Cincinnati Enquirer, 19 Sep. 2025
Nine people have died in crashes related to police pursuits in Milwaukee this year, with most victims being innocent bystanders.
—Drake Bentley, jsonline.com, 19 Sep. 2025
There are meaningful exchanges between NPCs, and also you, who is a real part of the story now rather than a quiet bystander as in past games.
—Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 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 22 Sep. 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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