watchword

[ woch-wurd ]

noun

1. a word or short phrase to be communicated, on challenge, to a sentinel or guard; password or countersign.

   Synonyms: shibboleth

2. a word or phrase expressive of a principle or rule of action; slogan:

   Conservation has been our watchword.

   Synonyms: shibboleth

3. a rallying cry of a party, club, team, etc.

   Synonyms: motto

watchword

/ ˈwɒtʃˌwɜːd /

noun

1. See password
   another word for password
2. a rallying cry or slogan

Word History and Origins

Origin of watchword¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; watch, word

Example Sentences

The public’s safety has always been at the forefront of our minds—safety is our watchword.

From Time

The refusal to compromise is a watchword of their candidates who wear it as a badge of pride.

From The Daily Beast

Rather, it seems as though “crony capitalism” is the watchword for this administration.

From The Daily Beast

Especially after the oil crisis, “the watchword was reasonableness.”

From The Daily Beast

Michael Daly on how Ted Kennedy—and even Osama bin Laden—helped the president finally reclaim the watchword that got him elected.

From The Daily Beast

(The term “captology” is acronymically derived from their watchword: Computers As Persuasive Technology).

From The Daily Beast

The watchword of conduct that will clear up all our difficulties is, the plain truth.

From Project Gutenberg

The result of this will be that payments back in the customary way can only follow on giving this watchword.

From Project Gutenberg

And he himself choose a given private «Watchword» (Losungswort) and inscribe it in the appointed place in the counter-certificate.

From Project Gutenberg

If the depositor already has a watchword in connection with his deposit book that watchword is to be inserted.

From Project Gutenberg

For sums above 20 florins, the depositor, in case he has no watchword must prove his own identity.

From Project Gutenberg