watchdog

1 of 2

noun

watch·​dog ˈwäch-ˌdȯg How to pronounce watchdog (audio)
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
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
The independent watchdog said Meta must ensure its ads are non-discriminatory and report back within three months. Carlotta Dotto, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025 According to a study by a federal government watchdog, approximately 13% of the state's SNAP recipients were employed full- or part-time by employers like Walmart and Tyson Foods in 2020. Arkansas Online, 6 Nov. 2025 The conference’s primary sponsor was the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which the watchdog group Human Rights Watch has accused of benefitting from human rights abuses. Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 5 Nov. 2025 The Statesman is shining a spotlight on this election with news, in-depth enterprise reporting, exclusive watchdog stories, and our Voter Guide Q&As with candidates answering our questions. Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 5 Nov. 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 9 Nov. 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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