surveillance

noun

sur·veil·lance sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s

also

-ˈvāl-yən(t)s

-ˈvā-ən(t)s

Synonyms of surveillance

: close watch kept over someone or something (as by a detective)

also : supervision see also immune surveillance

Examples of surveillance in a Sentence

government surveillance of suspected terrorists The bank robbery was recorded by surveillance video cameras.

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.

What researchers uncovered through lab testing and surveillance footage, prosecutors said, was a plot by his fellow graduate student to intentionally poison him. — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 Investigators are looking for evidence, witnesses and surveillance footage, DiMartino said. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026 The systems differ in mission and configuration, but all contribute to missile warning or space surveillance. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026 Criminal charges against the ICE officer who drove the vehicle are being considered by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, after surveillance footage contradicted ICE’s claim that Parra Hernandez stepped in front of the vehicle. — Lekan Oyekanmi, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for surveillance

Word History

Etymology

French, from surveiller to watch over, from sur- + veiller to watch, from Old French veillier, from Latin vigilare, from vigil watchful — more at vigil

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of surveillance was in 1802

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

surveil

surveillance

surveillant

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Surveillance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surveillance. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

surveillance

noun

sur·veil·lance sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s

also -ˈvāl-yən(t)s

or -ˈvā-ən(t)s

: close watch

under surveillance

Medical Definition

surveillance

noun

sur·veil·lance

sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s also -ˈvāl-yən(t)s or -ˈvā-ən(t)s

: close and continuous observation or testing

serological surveillance

see immune surveillance

surveillance

noun

Synonyms of surveillance

Examples of surveillance in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

The Words of the Week - Sept. 8

Keeping Watch on 'Surveil'

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Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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surveillance

noun

Synonyms of surveillance

Examples of surveillance in a Sentence

Word History

Phrases Containing surveillance

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to surveillance

The Words of the Week - Sept. 8

Keeping Watch on 'Surveil'

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