watchdog

1 of 2

noun

watch·​dog ˈwäch-ˌdȯg How to pronounce watchdog (audio)
ˈwȯch-
Synonyms of watchdognext
1
: a dog kept to guard property
2
: one that guards against loss, waste, theft, or undesirable practices

watchdog

2 of 2

verb

watchdogged; watchdogging; watchdogs

transitive verb

: to act as a watchdog for

Examples of watchdog in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Farage, 62, is being investigated by a parliamentary watchdog over a £5 million donation from crypto-billionaire Christopher Harborne in 2024. — NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026 Most efforts by climate watchdogs seeking to stop Uganda’s oil projects have focused on TotalEnergies, which has been sued in France at least twice by groups and individuals alleging food and land rights violations. — ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026 After graduation in 2000, Hilton spent time as a media relations assistant for gay watchdog group GLAAD while freelancing and auditioning on the side. — Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026 London — The head of the world’s financial stability watchdog warned on Monday of the serious risk posed by advanced AI models to the global financial system. — Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for watchdog

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of watchdog was in 1612

Rhymes for watchdog

See All Rhymes for watchdog

Browse Nearby Words

watch desk
watchdog
watcher
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Watchdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watchdog. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

watchdog

noun
watch·​dog
ˈwäch-ˌdȯg, 
ˈwȯch-
1
: a dog kept to guard property
2
: one that guards against loss, waste, theft, or dishonesty

More from Merriam-Webster on watchdog

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for watchdog

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