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 the past year alone, at least 40 people have died while in immigration detention, according to data compiled from federal records and watchdog groups that track deaths in custody. Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026 State Farm’s interim 17% emergency rate hike for homeowners approved in 2025 without a public hearing will stand after a settlement between the California Department of Insurance and a consumer watchdog group. Pat Maio, Oc Register, 10 Mar. 2026 Iran’s internet blackout has now exceeded more than 200 hours and is entering its 10th day, according to cybersecurity watchdog NetBlocks. Yarden Segev, NBC news, 9 Mar. 2026 Mojtaba Khamenei was selected by Iran's Assembly of Experts, comprised of 88 clerics and supervised by the 12-member Guardian Council, which acts as a watchdog for Iran's constitution. Claire Day, CBS News, 8 Mar. 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 15 Mar. 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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