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Definition of onlooker

onlooker

/ˈɑːnˌlʊk.ɚ/
on · look · er
Plural:onlookers
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onlooker Lexical Profile

onlooker Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A non-participating observer of an event or situation; a spectator or bystander.

Example

"A crowd of curious onlookers gathered on the sidewalk to watch the street performers."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

onionskin
oniony
online
onlooker
onlooking
only
onomatopoeia

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 17th century as an agent noun from the phrasal verb 'look on', combining the preposition 'on', the verb 'look' (from Old English 'locian'), and the agentive suffix '-er'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Onlooker. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/onlooker
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