sentry

noun

sen·​try ˈsen-trē 

plural sentries

: guard, watch

especially : a soldier standing guard at a point of passage (such as a gate)

Synonyms of sentry

• guard
• guardian
• custodian
• warden
• sentinel
• keeper

Examples of sentry in a Sentence

The general placed an armed sentry at the bridge.

a sentry posted to watch for intruders

Recent Examples on the Web

From Newt's family making first contact with a Facehugger to a wonderfully tense sentry gun sequence, Cameron's extra footage enhances a classic. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026

The former is heralded with a blast of horns; the latter guards its inner sanctum behind Tobie Windham’s officious sentry. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Finally, unable to stand down the household guard on her own, Alicent confesses her scheme to Helaena, who orders the sentries on the ramparts to hold fire when Rhaenyra flies in on Syrax. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026

Also, his paint was burned off in just the same spots as the snowman that had, for years, served as a jolly sentry outside our neighbor’s front door—a position that was now vacant, while our own home was, in a first, conspicuously and festively guarded. — Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from obsolete sentry sanctuary, watchtower

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sentry

• sentry box
• stand sentry

Rhymes for sentry

• entry
• gentry
• complementary
• elementary

Kids Definition

sentry

noun

sen·​try ˈsen-trē 

plural sentries

: guard entry 1 sense 3a

especially : a soldier standing guard at a point of passage