observer

noun

ob·​serv·​er əb-ˈzər-vər How to pronounce observer (audio)
: one that observes: such as
a
: a representative sent to observe but not participate officially in an activity (such as a meeting or war)
b
: an expert analyst and commentator in a particular field
political observers

Examples of observer in a Sentence

According to one observer, the event was poorly organized. The star is not visible to an observer without a telescope. According to one military observer, this change comes after years of planning. Observers say the economy is improving. The class has an observer today, so please be on your best behavior.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some observers, trying to make sense of Trump’s behavior, have tried to put his policies firmly back in the box of great-power competition. Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025 According to Vatican observers and bookmakers, the following candidates have the strongest odds. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Apr. 2025 Further, Minnesota’s ethics laws for state lawmakers have historically been rated as weak by watchdog groups, and the part-time nature of the Legislature, where many members hold other jobs, lends itself to some level of conflicts of interest, political observers say. Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 20 Apr. 2025 Much anticipation had built up ahead of Trump’s release of the John F. Kennedy files, but observers hoping for a smoking gun were let down last month as the documents contained some new details but no key information that changed the public’s understanding of what happened. Jared Gans, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for observer

Word History

Etymology

observe + -er entry 2

First Known Use

circa 1550, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of observer was circa 1550

Cite this Entry

“Observer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observer. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

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