watchword

noun

watch·​word ˈwäch-ˌwərd 

ˈwȯch-

1

: a word or phrase used as a sign of recognition among members of the same society, class, or group

2

a

: a word or motto that embodies a principle or guide to action of an individual or group : slogan

"safety" is our watchword

b

: a guiding principle

change is the watchword for both parties

Synonyms of watchword

• word

Examples of watchword in a Sentence

The new watchword in his campaign is “It's time for change.”

the watchword is changed every day

Recent Examples on the Web

Strong, strong, strong — that’s the watchword. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 May 2026

Discretion has been the watchword of presidential security since the Secret Service began protecting presidents in 1901, following William McKinley’s assassination at a world’s fair in Buffalo. —Neil Flanagan, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026

Low-waste is the watchword, with any small amount of kitchen waste eventually becoming nutrient-rich compost. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

But in modern English parlance, mantra has come to mean a person or group’s representative phrase, similar to a slogan or a watchword. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for watchword

• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword
• catbird
• catchword
• concurred
• conferred
• cowbird
• cowherd
• crossword
• deferred

Kids Definition

watchword

noun

watch·​word -ˌwərd 

1

: a secret word used as a signal or password

2

: a motto used as a slogan or cry for common support