watchdog

1 of 2

noun

watch·​dog ˈwäch-ˌdȯg How to pronounce watchdog (audio)
ˈwȯch-
Synonyms of watchdognext
1
: a dog kept to guard property
2
: one that guards against loss, waste, theft, or undesirable practices

watchdog

2 of 2

verb

watchdogged; watchdogging; watchdogs

transitive verb

: to act as a watchdog for

Examples of watchdog in a Sentence

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.
Noun
Michael Loria Friday marked the 70th day of an internet blackout being imposed by the regime in Iran on the country’s citizens, according to NetBlocks, an internet access watchdog. Michael Loria, USA Today, 9 May 2026 The Denver Police Department broadened its use-of-force policy to allow officers to use Tasers in more circumstances for 10 days last month, then reversed course and rescinded the new policy after the city’s police watchdogs criticized the move. Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 May 2026 The national taxpayer advocate, an independent watchdog of the IRS, is warning that the deadline to apply for relief is fast approaching after a federal court late last year ruled that taxpayers were not required to file their taxes on time during COVID-19. Fatima Hussein, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026 North Carolina is still in the top ten safest states for healthcare, according to a national watchdog. Eva Flowe updated May 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for watchdog

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of watchdog was in 1612

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Watchdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watchdog. Accessed 10 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

watchdog

noun
watch·​dog
ˈwäch-ˌdȯg
ˈwȯch-
1
: a dog kept to guard property
2
: one that guards against loss, waste, theft, or dishonesty

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