watchdog

verb

watchdogged; watchdogging; watchdogs
Synonyms of watchdognext

transitive verb

: to act as a watchdog for

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of watchdog was in 1902

Rhymes for watchdog

See All Rhymes for watchdog

Browse Nearby Words

watch desk
watchdog
watcher
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Watchdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watchdog. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for watchdog

Nglish: Translation of watchdog for Spanish Speakers

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