Watchdog — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈwäch-ˌdȯg/ watch·dog

Meaning & Definition of Watchdog

Watchdog (noun)

  1. a dog kept to guard property
  2. one that guards against loss, waste, theft, or undesirable practices

Watchdog (verb)

  1. to act as a watchdog for

Watchdog (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in observer, patrol

    similar: observer, patrol, spotter, surveillant, custodian, guard, guardian, keeper, lookout, minder, picket, sentinel, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watcher, watchman, bodyguard, convoy, defender, escort, honor guard, gatekeeper, hack (slang)

  2. as in hunter, gundog

    similar: bandog, bird dog, coonhound, courser, gundog, hunter, sheepdog, sled dog, wolf dog, wolfhound, lapdog, pup, puppy, puppy dog, whelp, guide dog, police dog, working dog, bitch, cur, mongrel, mutt, canine, dog, doggy, hound, pooch, tyke

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Watchdog

The most common words with a similar meaning to Watchdog:

Slang: hack
observer, patrol, spotter, surveillant, custodian, guard, guardian, keeper, lookout, minder, picket, sentinel, sentry, warden, warder, watch, watcher, watchman, bodyguard, convoy, defender, escort, honor guard, gatekeeper, bandog, bird dog, coonhound, courser, gundog, hunter, sheepdog, sled dog, wolf dog, wolfhound, lapdog, pup, puppy, puppy dog, whelp, guide dog

Word Forms of Watchdog

Inflections: watchdogged, watchdogging, watchdogs

Origin & Etymology of Watchdog

First known use: 1612

Frequently Asked Questions about Watchdog

What does "Watchdog" mean?

"Watchdog" means a dog kept to guard property. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a dog kept to guard property. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Watchdog"?

Other words for "Watchdog" include observer, patrol, spotter, surveillant, custodian, guard, guardian and keeper. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Watchdog" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Watchdog"?

There are 53 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Watchdog". Common alternatives include observer, patrol, spotter, surveillant, custodian, guard, guardian, keeper, lookout and minder.

Is "Watchdog" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Watchdog" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Watchdog"?

"Watchdog" is pronounced /ˈwäch-ˌdȯg/ and divided into syllables as watch·dog.

What is the origin of the word "Watchdog"?

First known use: 1612.

What is another word for "Watchdog" meaning "as in observer, patrol"?

When "Watchdog" (noun) means as in observer, patrol, synonyms include observer, patrol, spotter, surveillant, custodian and guard.

What is another word for "Watchdog" meaning "as in hunter, gundog"?

When "Watchdog" (noun) means as in hunter, gundog, synonyms include bandog, bird dog, coonhound, courser, gundog and hunter.