surveillance

noun

sur·​veil·​lance sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s 

also

-ˈvāl-yən(t)s 

or

-ˈvā-ən(t)s 

: close watch kept over someone or something (as by a detective)

also : supervision see also immune surveillance

Synonyms of surveillance

• stewardship
• supervision
• oversight
• management
• control
• policing
• regulation

Examples of surveillance in a Sentence

government surveillance of suspected terrorists

The bank robbery was recorded by surveillance video cameras.

Recent Examples on the Web

Police said the surveillance video places the person of interest in the alley near the Tepe home during that critical timeframe. —Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 6 Jan. 2026

Rheinmetall, Germany’s largest arms manufacturer, gained over 7% in early trade, while military technology and surveillance specialist Hensoldt advanced almost 7%. —Hugh Leask, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026

The analysis included examining Gonzales’ own words and statements, surveillance video, body camera footage, radio transmissions and witness interviews with investigators, that are now expected to be part of the evidence introduced by prosecutors. —Shimon Prokupecz, CNN Money, 5 Jan. 2026

The store posted surveillance images online, hoping someone would recognize him. —Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

French, from surveiller to watch over, from sur- + veiller to watch, from Old French veillier, from Latin vigilare, from vigil watchful — more at vigil

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing surveillance

• counter-surveillance
• electronic surveillance
• immune surveillance
• immunological surveillance
• keep under surveillance

Kids Definition

surveillance

noun

sur·​veil·​lance sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s 

also -ˈvāl-yən(t)s

or -ˈvā-ən(t)s

: close watch

under surveillance

Medical Definition

surveillance

noun

sur·​veil·​lance

sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s also -ˈvāl-yən(t)s or -ˈvā-ən(t)s

: close and continuous observation or testing

serological surveillance

see immune surveillance