Definition

A person who watches something happening, especially an event or activity, without being involved in it.

Example

The onlooker watched the street performance with great interest.

Conversation

Did you see that street performer today?

Yeah, there were so many onlookers enjoying the show!

I thought it was cool how everyone stopped to watch.

Definitely, it's nice to see people come together like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Onlooker → It is formed from "on" (meaning in a position of) and "look" (from Old English "locian", meaning to see or observe) and "-er" (meaning a person who). An onlooker is a person who is in a position of observing or watching something.

Memory Tip

Think of someone being 'in a position of' ('on') 'seeing' ('look') — that's why an onlooker is someone who watches.

Visually Confused Words