watchdog

1 of 2

noun

watch·​dog ˈwäch-ˌdȯg 

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

The New York City Department of Investigation is the city’s independent watchdog agency, which investigates fraud, corruption, misconduct, municipal malfeasance, city employees, contractors, and individuals who do business with the city. — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026

But California regulators and consumer watchdogs disagree with AT&T on what constitutes a reliable replacement. — Jenny Jarvie follow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

That gift is now being investigated by Parliament's standards watchdog. — Fatima Al-Kassab, NPR, 10 July 2026

The $150 billion, 400-acre project is currently under construction in northeast Independence and has drawn criticism from those who live nearest, inspiring the formation of multiple local watchdog and opposition groups. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for watchdog

• agog
• backlog
• bulldog
• bullfrog
• eclogue
• eggnog
• groundhog
• hedgehog
• leapfrog
• prolog
• sheepdog
• analog

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