observer

American  

[uhb-zur-ver] / əbˈzɜr vər /

noun

1. someone or something that observes.

2. a delegate to an assembly or gathering, who is sent to observe and report but not to take part officially in its activities.

3. U.S. Air Force.

   1. a member of an aircrew, other than the pilot, holding an aeronautical rating.

   2. a person who maintains observation in an aircraft during flight.

4. Also called air observer,.  Also called aircraft observer.  U.S. Army. a person who serves in an aircraft as a reconnoiterer and directs artillery fire.

---

Other Word Forms

• interobserver noun
• observership noun

Etymology

Origin of observer

First recorded in 1545–55; observe + -er ¹

Example Sentences

"The international community is really a passive observer... not an intended audience," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 12, 2026

The untrained observer might also wonder why private companies with shareholders wouldn’t try to maximize profits by charging as much as they could.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

Its subtitle, about awakening and survival, underlines Mrie’s trajectory from submissive daughter to political actor and skilled observer.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

At age 86, Mr. Bellocchio remains an angry observer of his country’s historic failures, but one who sustains his cool in the storytelling.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

I will be good at spying, as I am an excellent observer.

From "The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra's Needle" by Dan Gutman

Related Words

• bystander
• onlooker
• viewer
• watcher
• witness