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 operator takes another swing, but the man ducks, punches the operator, then knocks him down, raining punches on his head before a bystander separates the two.
—
Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
According to court records, Cox pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots at the individual who slashed him and others in the area, which resulted in a bystander being shot multiple times.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Patrick O'Malley said each case differs, but that officers always prioritize the safety of innocent bystanders.
—Tom Wait, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Sources familiar with the investigation told this news organization that several bystanders captured at least part of the confrontation on video.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bystander
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Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2026
According to court records, Cox pulled out a gun and fired multiple shots at the individual who slashed him and others in the area, which resulted in a bystander being shot multiple times.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Patrick O'Malley said each case differs, but that officers always prioritize the safety of innocent bystanders.
—Tom Wait, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
Sources familiar with the investigation told this news organization that several bystanders captured at least part of the confrontation on video.
—Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 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 8 Apr. 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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