watcher

American  

[woch-er] / ˈwɒtʃ ər /

noun

1. a person who watches or who keeps watch.

2. an analytic observer of trends, fashions, events, celebrities, or the like.

   Fashion watchers will have noted that pleats have become popular again.

3. a professional or experienced observer and analyst of political and historic trends and events, countries, or the like.

   China watchers in the State Department predict a change in that country's trade policy.

4. poll watcher.

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ˈwatcher British  

/ ˈwɒtʃə /

noun

1. a person who watches

2. a person who maintains a vigil at the bedside of an invalid

3. a representative of a candidate or party stationed at a poll on election day to watch out for fraud

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Other Word Forms

• underwatcher noun

Etymology

Origin of watcher

First recorded in 1500–10; watch + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Open dissent is impossible as the state's watchers are everywhere.

From BBC

The watchers formed a ring round the edge of the clearing, with Torak and Hord in the middle, near the fire.

From Literature

With no immediate resolution in sight for disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz, market watchers say oil prices are unlikely to ease anytime soon.

From The Wall Street Journal

"In the case of birds, it was hunters, bird watchers, nonprofit organizations and many other constituencies who banded together to reach a common goal."

From Science Daily

Industry watchers said this provision is rarely used, however.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• onlooker