monitor

1 of 3

noun (1)

mon·​i·​tor ˈmä-nə-tər 

1

a

: a student appointed to assist a teacher

b

: one that warns or instructs

U.N. weapons monitors and instructors

c

: one that monitors or is used in monitoring: such as

(1)

: an electronic device with a screen used for display (as of television pictures or computer information)

(2)

: a device for observing a biological condition or function

a heart monitor

2

: monitor lizard

3

[Monitor, first ship of the type]

a

: a heavily armored warship formerly used in coastal operations having a very low freeboard and one or more revolving gun turrets

b

: a small modern warship with shallow draft (see draft entry 1 sense 8) for coastal bombardment

4

: a raised central portion of a roof having low windows or louvers for providing light and air

monitorial

ˌmä-nə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl 

adjective

monitorship

ˈmä-nə-tər-ˌship 

noun

monitor

2 of 3

verb

monitored; monitoring ˈmä-nə-t(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

: to watch, keep track of, or check usually for a special purpose

Nurses monitored the patient's heart rate.

monitorship

3 of 3

noun (2)

mon·​i·​tor·​ship ˈmänətə(r)ˌship 

: the position or function of a monitor : supervision

Synonyms of monitor

Verb

• watch
• cover

Examples of monitor in a Sentence

Noun (1)

They watched the press conference on a video monitor in a back room.

We put a baby monitor in the nursery.

U.N. weapons monitors and inspectors.

Verb

Nurses constantly monitored the patient's heart rate.

We're in a good position to monitor and respond to customer concerns.

Government agents have been monitoring the enemy's radio communications.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The practical takeaway is to give your eyes regular breaks from the monitor, pair the 20-20-20 habit with other adjustments and schedule routine exams so an eye doctor can spot issues early. —Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026

Framed photos fell off the walls and a computer monitor was knocked over, Harris said. —ABC News, 24 June 2026

Verb

The company monitors the amount of carbon stored in farmers’ soils and issues a certificate for carbon improvements. —Jasmin Sykes, CNN Money, 19 June 2026

Carpenter also says the district is closely monitoring some potential cuts to federal grants for students of poverty and language learners. —Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Verb

Latin, one that warns, overseer, from monēre to warn — more at mind

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1924, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing monitor

• baby monitor
• hall monitor
• monitor lizard

Kids Definition

monitor

1 of 2 noun

mon·​i·​tor ˈmän-ət-ər 

1

a

: a student appointed to assist a teacher

b

: a person that warns or instructs

c

: one that monitors or is used in monitoring

especially : a video screen used for display (as of television pictures or computer information)

2

: monitor lizard

3

a

: a heavily armored warship having low sides and revolving guns that was used against shipping in harbors and in river patrol

b

: a gunboat used to bombard coastal areas and riverbanks

monitor

2 of 2 verb

monitored; monitoring ˈmän-ət-ə-riŋ 

ˈmän-ə-triŋ

: to watch, observe, or check for a special purpose

monitor a broadcast for sound quality

Medical Definition

monitor

1 of 2 noun

mon·​i·​tor ˈmän-ət-ər 

: one that monitors

especially : a device for observing or measuring a biologically important condition or function

a heart monitor

monitor

2 of 2 transitive verb

monitored; monitoring ˈmän-ət-ə-riŋ, ˈmän-ə-triŋ 

1

: to watch, observe, or check closely or continuously

monitor a patient's vital signs

2

: to test for intensity of radiations especially if due to radioactivity