English dictionary
watch
nounPronunciation
/wɒt͡ʃ/
/wɑt͡ʃ/
Audio pronunciation
Parts of speech
Definitions
noun
- A portable or wearable timepiece.
- The act of guarding and observing someone or something.
- A particular time period when guarding is kept.
- A person or group of people who guard.
- The post or office of a watchman; also, the place where a watchman is posted, or where a guard is kept.
- A group of sailors and officers aboard a ship or shore station with a common period of duty: starboard watch, port watch.
- A period of time on duty, usually four hours in length; the officers and crew who tend the working of a vessel during the same watch. (FM 55–501).
- The act of seeing, or viewing, for a period of time.
verb
- To look at, see, or view for a period of time.
- To observe over a period of time; to notice or pay attention.
- To mind, attend, or guard.
- To be wary or cautious of.
- To attend to dangers to or regarding.
- To remain awake with a sick or dying person; to maintain a vigil.
- To be vigilant or on one's guard.
- To act as a lookout.
- (of a buoy) To serve the purpose of a watchman by floating properly in its place.
- To be awake.
- To be on the lookout for; to wait for expectantly.
Example sentences
More people today carry a watch on their wrists than in their pockets.
The second watch of the night began at midnight.
The watch stopped the travelers at the city gates.
I'm tired of watching TV.
Put a little baking soda in some vinegar and watch what happens.
He has to watch the kids that afternoon.
You should watch that guy. He has a reputation for lying.
Watch what you say.
For some must watch, while some must sleep: So runs the world away.