watchdog

[woch-dawg, -dog]

noun

1. a dog kept to guard property.

2. a watchful guardian.

   a self-appointed watchdog of the public morals.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a watchdog.

2. organized or functioning as a watchful guardian, especially against illegal or unethical conduct.

   a watchdog group in the legislature.

verb (used with object)

watchdogged, watchdogging 

1. to watch carefully, especially so as to detect illegal or unethical conduct.

watchdog

/ ˈwɒtʃˌdɒɡ /

noun

1. a dog kept to guard property

2. 1. a person or group of persons that acts as a protector or guardian against inefficiency, illegal practices, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a watchdog committee

Word History and Origins

Origin of watchdog¹

First recorded in 1600–10; watch + dog

Example Sentences

The guidance complements previous codes, rules and guidelines issued by the watchdog as it enforces the Online Safety Act, which became law in 2023.

Read more on BBC

Newsbeat has been told media watchdog Ofcom collects some diversity data on actors and presenters employed directly by broadcasters, but not on characters within shows.

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The House of Lords' standards watchdog launched separate investigations into the two men following an undercover operation by the Guardian newspaper.

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Fannie Mae watchdogs were removed from their jobs after they had been probing whether Pulte had improperly obtained mortgage records of James and other Democrats, The Wall Street Journal previously reported.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A BBC spokesperson declined to comment on the US watchdog's involvement but confirmed it had received the letter.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• curator 
• keeper 
• overseer 
• protector 
• steward 
• superintendent 
• supervisor 
• warden