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

Yet, as with Lebanon, Middle East watchers were bowled over to discover that the MOU codified Iran’s claim to a say in administering passage through the strait. — Ron Kampeas, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026

The Tsutsumi bout is the one for prospect watchers, pitting a fast-rising Japanese talent against a Mexican who has not lost. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

Royal watchers noted that Meghan’s simple black one-piece swimsuit was reminiscent of one Princess Diana wore during a family beach vacation in Nevis in January 1993 with Harry, Prince William and family friends. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 24 July 2026

Three near-term scenarios are worth tracking, each with a decision families and industry watchers can make now. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing watcher

• bird-watcher
• clock-watcher
• fire watcher