watchdog

1 of 2

noun

watch·​dog ˈwäch-ˌdȯg 

ˈwȯch-

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

Noun

Laura Bauer, who came to The Kansas City Star in 2005, focuses on investigative and watchdog journalism. — Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

But utilities are promising investors and regulators that ratepayers won’t be stuck with AI’s tab, even as watchdogs point to cases shifting exactly those costs onto residential bills. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 July 2026

Additionally, the nuclear watchdog has been unable to independently verify Iran’s centrifuge capacity and production since 2021, so Tehran may have reserves despite strikes over the last two years. — Callum Sutherland, Time, 24 July 2026

Housing Rights Initiative, a national watchdog group that seeks to combat real estate fraud and discrimination, investigated Greystar properties around the country. — Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for watchdog

• agog
• backlog
• bulldog
• bullfrog
• eclogue
• eggnog
• groundhog
• hedgehog
• leapfrog
• prolog
• sheepdog
• analog

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