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

Industry watchers say this year's figures have also suffered from a lack of local French-language hits or buzzy Hollywood blockbusters to drive footfall.

From Barron's

Some chart watchers even consider some overbought readings as depicting an ability rather than a condition — the ability to become overbought is a sign of underlying strength.

From MarketWatch

Netflix has successfully expanded its “Squid Game” franchise to include reality competition series “Squid Game: The Challenge,” where more than 95% of watchers also tuned into the scripted series.

From Los Angeles Times

For market watchers seeking anchor points in China’s transition, the 65-plus consumer may offer that anchor.

From Barron's

"You are not the artist you are the watcher," she wrote.

From BBC

Related Words

• onlooker