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
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Noun
Budget watchdog the Citizens Budget Commission said the administration could be much more aggressive about cutting fat from the city’s budget. Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2026 Fireworks safety watchdog Lee Miller called for an independent investigation into Cal Fire and the State Fire Marshal’s role in the Esparto explosion, arguing internal reviews lack credibility and public trust. Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2026 After weeks in limbo, a proposal to set up a new independent watchdog agency to crack down on fraud in social services programs is moving forward in the Minnesota House. Beret Leone, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026 The Seydoux family — which controls close to 90% of the company — has been ordered by the French watchdog body, Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF), to make an offer to buy out all remaining shareholders, including funds such as HMG, Gay-Lussac and Axxion. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 23 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 30 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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