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

Social Security is celebrating its 91st birthday Friday—yet a prominent fiscal watchdog is warning that, without congressional action, the program in its current form may not survive to its centennial. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

The victory comes as Parliament’s standards watchdog probes Farage’s undeclared multimillion-dollar crypto donation and his finances with controversial ally George Cottrell, scrutiny that could yet force him from office. — Brian Melley, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

The Control Yuan, the country’s main government watchdog, concluded in June that existing prevention efforts were failing. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026

But how does this ranking compare to scores from Leapfrog, a watchdog organization that grades hospitals on safety? — Eva Flowe august 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 Aug. 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