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
In June, then-inspector general Tamara Johnson found that the claim Gabbard distributed classified information along political lines did not appear to be credible, according to the current watchdog, Christopher Fox, in the memo to lawmakers. David Klepper The Associated Press, Arkansas Online, 5 Feb. 2026 Senior figures within the DA have accused one another of abusing power and manipulating state institutions, drawing South Africa’s anti-corruption watchdog into what is, in effect, an internal leadership battle. Sam Mkokeli, semafor.com, 4 Feb. 2026 This means the watchdog group will have to streamline some of its advocacy work, which has included calling attention to wage theft, urging greater accountability from brands for workplace accidents and demanding the release of activists jailed for organizing for better conditions. Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 2 Feb. 2026 Rodríguez made her announcement before some of the officials whom former prisoners and human rights watchdogs have accused of ordering the abuses committed at Helicoide and other detention facilities. Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 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 6 Feb. 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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