onlooker
/ˈɒnlʊkə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɑːnlʊkər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈȯn-ˌlu̇-kər ˈän-/ (ame, mw)
onlooker — noun
- onlookersingular
- onlookersplural
1. a person who stands nearby and watches an event, accident, or other public scene
a person who stands nearby and watches an event, accident, or other public scene without joining in
A crowd of onlookers gathered outside the bakery after a truck hit the sign.
crowd of onlookers + unexpected street incident
Amihan laughed with other onlookers as the street magician pulled coins from a boy's sleeve.
other onlookers + public street performance
From the bus stop, Diego was an onlooker as two drivers argued in the square.
The police moved the onlookers back so the ambulance could reach the front gate.
Even with her camera ready, Saira stayed an onlooker and did not join the dancers.
- spectator
More common for planned sport or entertainment events where people come to watch on purpose.
- bystander
Often used when something serious or harmful happens nearby, especially if the person does not help.
- observer
A broader and slightly more formal word that can suggest careful attention or an official role.
- witness
Stresses that the person saw what happened and can later describe it or report it.
- participant
Someone who joins the activity instead of watching from the side.
- performer
A person providing the show or action that other people are watching.
文法句型
onlooker at + scene
crowd of onlookers
用法筆記
Often used for people watching an unexpected public scene such as a crash, fire, or street performance. Distinguish from spectator, which usually suggests a planned event like a match or show.