watcher

noun

watch·​er ˈwä-chər 

ˈwȯ-

: one that watches: such as

a

: one that sits up or continues awake at night

b

: watchman

c(1)

: one that keeps watch beside a dead person

(2)

: one that attends a sick person at night

d

: a person who closely follows or observes someone or something

a Supreme Court watcher

—often used in combination

celebrity-watchers

e

: a representative of a party or candidate who is stationed at the polls on an election day to watch the conduct of officials and voters

Synonyms of watcher

• guardian
• custodian
• guard
• keeper
• warden
• sentinel
• watch
• observer

Examples of watcher in a Sentence

the inexperienced babysitter turned out to be a well-meaning but hopelessly incompetent watcher of young children

a safari that affords wildlife watchers plenty of opportunities to see Africa's grandest creatures in their natural habitat

Recent Examples on the Web

Royal watchers say Charles is up to the task. —Michael Collins, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

For decades, local government watchers have seen a disturbing run of poor management and scandalous property decisions, especially at San Diego City Hall. —U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

But market watchers seemed unperturbed by mounting pressure on the British economy. —Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026

Royal watchers couldn't help but notice that the youngest Wales sibling looked even more grown-up during his first public appearance this year. —Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing watcher

• bird-watcher
• clock-watcher
• fire watcher