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 Chicago, a police watchdog agency routinely releases body camera video of shootings and other serious use-of-force incidents within 60 days. — Ryan J. Foley, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026 The documents were released by the VA to the nonprofit watchdog group American Oversight through the Freedom of Information Act and shared exclusively with The Times. — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Dlamini and the new team take control as the financial sector watchdog continues its independent investigation into the fund’s governance and its $6 billion unlisted portfolio — about 40% of which is distressed. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 5 Aug. 2026 The city’s chief civilian police watchdog is sidelined after he was placed on administrative leave this week, though clarity on what prompted the decision remains behind closed doors. — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 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

Rhymes for watchdog

See All Rhymes for watchdog

Browse Nearby Words

watch desk
watchdog
watcher
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Watchdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watchdog. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on watchdog

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for watchdog

Nglish: Translation of watchdog for Spanish Speakers

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