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

And Ric Salinas, who plays Chachalacani, humorously obliges, bringing his Culture Clash vaudeville skills to the role of the sentry who’s caught between the rock of Klion’s tyranny and his fellow feeling for Antíkona’s sympathetic cause. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Instead, Hongqi said the solar roof could help supply lower-voltage electrical loads, including air conditioning, refrigerators and the vehicle’s sentry or monitoring systems. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026

In humans, traits such as neuroticism and recklessness appear to have some evolutionary basis—emerging perhaps to provide our species with sentries who alerted us to threats, and with explorers who led the way to new food sources. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026

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

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