watch list

American

Or watchlist

noun

a list of persons or things to watch for possible action in the future.

a watch list of possible growth stocks.

Etymology

Origin of watch list

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Treasury, which put the Alpine nation on its watch list for currency manipulation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

The commerce ministry added a further 20 Japanese organisations, including automaker Subaru, to a "watch list" requiring stricter reviews of exported items that could be used for military purposes.

From Barron's • Feb. 24, 2026

If you loved “Parks and Recreation,” “North of North” is the perfect addition to your watch list — and a bright spot during what feels like dark times.

From Salon • Jun. 28, 2025

The state is on Ms Harris's "watch list", he added, noting she has made more than a dozen visits.

From BBC • Jul. 31, 2024

“It’s on my watch list, but I haven’t started this season. I’ll let you know.”

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023