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

Despite the volatility, many market watchers argue that the bigger risk might be staying completely on the sidelines. —Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2026

Multiple royal watchers have claimed the prince has struggled to move beyond the fallout of his dramatic exit from royal life six years ago, citing professional setbacks and lingering personal tensions. —Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 28 Jan. 2026

That reportedly marked an increase of 600,000 watchers from the previous year. —Brian Niemietz, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026

That reportedly marked an increase of 600,000 watchers from the previous year. —Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing watcher

• bird-watcher
• clock-watcher