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
Rights watchdogs describe such actions as collective punishment. Arkansas Online, 27 Dec. 2025 Working for a covert intelligence watchdog known as The Orphanage, an internal affairs–style organization created to monitor and police America’s clandestine agencies, Alexander finds himself in turmoil. Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025 Also worthy of mention are our state watchdog agencies, the Legislative Analyst’s Office and the California State Auditor. Jon Coupal, Oc Register, 25 Dec. 2025 The Media Research Center, a conservative watchdog group which is part-funded by Republican donor Robert Mercer, clocked that 92% of jokes told on the six nightly late-night shows were aimed at conservatives. Peter White, Deadline, 23 Dec. 2025 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 30 Dec. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on watchdog

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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