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
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
The spending watchdog agency echoed its 2019 criticism of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for a lack of oversight of administrative costs associated with state initiatives approved in the name of Medicaid reform. Margaret Coker, ProPublica, 24 Sep. 2025 The letter was organized in conjunction with the Democracy Defenders Fund, a nonprofit watchdog group founded by Norman Eisen, a former Obama aide and the author of the anti-Trump Substack The Contrarian. Max Tani, semafor.com, 24 Sep. 2025 What to Know The eight former watchdogs sought a court order reinstating them immediately, along with back pay, arguing the abrupt dismissals violated their statutory and constitutional rights. Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025 Douglas Elliman — The luxury real estate brokerage's shares fell 5% after Reuters reported a Wall Street watchdog is investigating alleged insider-trading activity linked to a failed bid to take over the firm. Christina Cheddar Berk, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Watchdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watchdog. Accessed 30 Sep. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!