watchword

noun

watch·​word ˈwäch-ˌwərd 

ˈwȯch-

1

: a word or phrase used as a sign of recognition among members of the same society, class, or group

2

a

: a word or motto that embodies a principle or guide to action of an individual or group : slogan

"safety" is our watchword

b

: a guiding principle

change is the watchword for both parties

Synonyms

• word

Examples of watchword in a Sentence

The new watchword in his campaign is “It's time for change.”

the watchword is changed every day

Recent Examples on the Web

That last term, relatability, is the watchword of almost all Swiftology—understandably enough. —Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025

As Le notes, that speed is a watchword for China’s entire EV ecosystem. —IEEE Spectrum, 6 June 2025

This was the watchword for Hollywood last year, repeated like a mantra at all levels of the industry, from studio execs to below-the-line crew members. —Judy Berman, Time, 3 June 2025

Community engagement has become a watchword among city planners and architects, a necessary prelude to the construction of public projects. —Justin Davidson, Curbed, 5 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for watchword

• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword
• catbird
• catchword
• concurred
• conferred
• cowbird
• cowherd
• crossword
• deferred

Kids Definition

watchword

noun

watch·​word -ˌwərd 

1

: a secret word used as a signal or password

2

: a motto used as a slogan or cry for common support