watchword

watch·word

noun \-ˌwərd\

Definition of WATCHWORD

1

: a word or phrase used as a sign of recognition among members of the same society, class, or group

2

a : a word or motto that embodies a principle or guide to action of an individual or group : slogan <“safety” is our watchword> b : a guiding principle <change is the watchword for both parties>

Examples of WATCHWORD

1. The new watchword in his campaign is “It's time for change.”
2. <the watchword is changed every day>

First Known Use of WATCHWORD

15th century

Related to WATCHWORD

Synonyms: countersign, password, word

Related Words: shibboleth, sign; signal; hint, indication; parole

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with WATCHWORD

absurd, bean curd, begird, bellbird, blackbird, bluebird, boobird, buzzword, byword, catbird, catchword, cowbird, cowherd, crossword, cussword, engird, game bird, ghost word, goatherd, good word, guide word, headword, jailbird, jaybird, key word, kingbird, last word, loanword, lovebird, lyrebird, my word, oilbird, password, potsherd, railbird, rainbird, redbird, reword, ricebird, seabird, Sigurd, shorebird, snakebird, snowbird, songbird, state bird, sunbird, surfbird, swearword, swineherd, textured, ungird, unheard, yardbird