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 Paramount has the usual range of lollipop trees and box spirals, which stand like sentries at front doors in London’s more expensive neighborhoods. Sophie Elmhirst, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024 Here, in one of the more isolated places on earth, China’s security cameras keep watch alongside armed sentries in guard towers. New York Times, 11 Oct. 2024 Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by Louise Bourgeois’ spider sculpture seemingly floating on a lake, standing guard like a talisman, while a giant Damien Hirst anatomical sculpture stands like a sentry at the entrance. Lee Sharrock, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024 Everything nearly goes awry when two sentries, noting how suspicious the horse is, set it on fire. Eric Goldman, TVLine, 24 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for sentry 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sentry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near sentry

Cite this Entry

“Sentry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentry. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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
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