# observer

> English word · Noun · IPA /əbˈzɝvɚ/ · frequency rank #8,178

## Definitions
1. One who makes observations, monitors or takes notice.
2. One who adheres or follows laws, guidelines, etc.
3. A person sent as a representative, to a meeting or other function to monitor but not to participate.
4. A country or other entity which has limited participation rights within an organization.
5. A crew member on an aircraft who makes observations of enemy positions or aircraft.
6. A sentry etc. manning an observation post.
7. Synonym of spotter.

## Etymology
From observe + -er.

## Easily confused with
- **observe** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/observe-vs-observer)
- **observed** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/observed-vs-observer)

## Common misspellings (12)
`boserver`, `obbserver`, `obesrver`, `obserevr`, `obserrver`, `observerr`, `observre`, `observver`, `obsevrer`, `obsrever`, `obsserver`, `osberver`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/observer