sentry

noun

sen·​try ˈsen-trē How to pronounce sentry (audio)
plural sentries
: guard, watch
especially : a soldier standing guard at a point of passage (such as a gate)

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Clock Is Ticking On CISA Leadership The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is the nation’s digital sentry. Emil Sayegh, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025 Goff has taken it upon herself to be a sage and sentry of the past for the present. Andrea Bossi, Essence, 8 July 2025 Oblivion also happens to be the title of Kosinski’s second film, in which Cruise plays a sentry watching over a devastated Earth that has become inhospitable to all life. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025 Effectively the solar cell allows the drone to act as a CCTV sentry during daylight hours, saving battery power for when a target is spotted. David Hambling, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sentry

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from obsolete sentry sanctuary, watchtower

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sentry was in 1608

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sentry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentry. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

sentry

noun
sen·​try ˈsen-trē How to pronounce sentry (audio)
plural sentries
: guard entry 1 sense 3a
especially : a soldier standing guard at a point of passage

More from Merriam-Webster on sentry

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!