Noun

1. One who makes observations, monitors or takes notice

   Most impartial observers agreed that Sampras had not served well.

2. One who adheres or follows laws, guidelines, etc.

   I shall be an observer of the local customs.

3. A person sent as a representative, to a meeting or other function to monitor but not to participate

   The UN sent many observers to the country's first elections.

4. A crew member on an aircraft who makes observations of enemy positions or aircraft

   The only crew-member to survive the crash was the Canadian observer.

5. A sentry etc. manning an observation post

   We waited till dusk when the observers' vision was poorest.

Related terms

• observance
• observant
• observation
• observational
• observatory
• observe