sentry

noun

sen·​try ˈsen-trē How to pronounce sentry (audio)
plural sentries
Synonyms of sentry
: guard, watch
especially : a soldier standing guard at a point of passage (such as a gate)

Synonyms of sentry

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Examples of sentry in a Sentence

The general placed an armed sentry at the bridge. a sentry posted to watch for intruders
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.
In humans, traits such as neuroticism and recklessness appear to have some evolutionary basis—emerging perhaps to provide our species with sentries who alerted us to threats, and with explorers who led the way to new food sources. — Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026 From Newt's family making first contact with a Facehugger to a wonderfully tense sentry gun sequence, Cameron's extra footage enhances a classic. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026 The former is heralded with a blast of horns; the latter guards its inner sanctum behind Tobie Windham’s officious sentry. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 Finally, unable to stand down the household guard on her own, Alicent confesses her scheme to Helaena, who orders the sentries on the ramparts to hold fire when Rhaenyra flies in on Syrax. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sentry

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from obsolete sentry sanctuary, watchtower

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sentry was in 1608

Phrases Containing sentry

Rhymes for sentry

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Browse Nearby Words

sentinel crab
sentry
sentry board
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Cite this Entry

“Sentry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentry. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

sentry

noun
sen·​try ˈsen-trē How to pronounce sentry (audio)
plural sentries
: guard entry 1 sense 3a
especially : a soldier standing guard at a point of passage

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