watchdog

1 of 2

noun

watch·​dog ˈwäch-ˌdȯg How to pronounce watchdog (audio)
ˈwȯch-
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
Noun
Gabe Roth, executive director of a watchdog group Fix the Court, has been a steady critic of justices receiving gifts, including travel and free memberships in clubs. David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times, 7 June 2024 The governor and his supporters are using three fundraising committees, including the Campaign for Democracy PAC, according to data from OpenSecrets, a nonpartisan campaign finance watchdog group, and the Federal Election Commission. Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 3 June 2024
Verb
The reinstatements this week prompted criticism from some City Hall watchdogs, who questioned the timing and what had changed for either Price or De León. Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2024 International watchdogs previously slammed Iran for holding elections that are neither free nor fair, marked by a vetting process that restricts the types of candidates permitted to run. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 4 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for watchdog 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'watchdog.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near watchdog

Cite this Entry

“Watchdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watchdog. Accessed 11 Jun. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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