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watchman

noun

watch·​man ˈwäch-mən How to pronounce watchman (audio)
ˈwȯch-
: a person who keeps watch : guard

Examples of watchman in a Sentence

A watchman stopped them at the gate. hired a watchman to patrol the factory at night
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.
Désir explained the various Gede spirits, like Baron Samedi, the spirit that takes souls to the afterlife and Brav Gede the watchman of the graveyard. Miami Herald, 12 Nov. 2025 The old man of the night, the watchman not yet in bed. Literary Hub, 19 Sep. 2025 The Forest Preserves of Cook County purchased the property in 1921, and the house served as a watchman’s residence until 2015, then sat unused. Daily Southtown, Chicago Tribune, 26 Aug. 2025 View gallery - 5 images Who watches the watchmen and who spies on the spy satellites? David Szondy august 07, New Atlas, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for watchman

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of watchman was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Watchman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watchman. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

watchman

noun
watch·​man -mən How to pronounce watchman (audio)
: a person assigned to watch : guard

More from Merriam-Webster on watchman

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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