watchdog

1 of 2

noun

watch·​dog ˈwäch-ˌdȯg How to pronounce watchdog (audio)
ˈwȯch-
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
Saurav Ghosh, a director at the watchdog group Campaign Legal Center, said the contributions were likely made through a subsidiary in order to comply with laws prohibiting federal contractors from making political contributions. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 20 Nov. 2024 Religious experts and the Texas Freedom Network, a left-leaning watchdog group that monitors the state's education board, said the curriculum proposal focuses too much on Christianity and dances around the history of slavery. CBS News, 19 Nov. 2024 This taxpayer watchdog group scored California third-worst for business taxation. Jonathan Lansner, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024 The watchdog also argued Alsobrooks failed to disclose her affiliation with the University of Maryland’s law school. Gabe Kaminsky, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 5 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near watchdog

Cite this Entry

“Watchdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watchdog. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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