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watchdog
[ woch-dawg, -dog ]
/ ˈwɒtʃˌdɔg, -ˌdɒg /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
a dog kept to guard property.
a watchful guardian: a self-appointed watchdog of the public morals.
adjective
of, relating to, or characteristic of a watchdog.
organized or functioning as a watchful guardian, especially against illegal or unethical conduct: a watchdog group in the legislature.
verb (used with object), watch·dogged, watch·dog·ging.
to watch carefully, especially so as to detect illegal or unethical conduct.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Words nearby watchdog
watchband, watch cap, watchcase, watch chain, Watch Committee, watchdog, watcher, watcheye, watch fire, watchful, watch-glass
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use watchdog in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for watchdog
watchdog
/ (ˈwɒtʃˌdɒɡ) /
noun
a dog kept to guard property
- a person or group of persons that acts as a protector or guardian against inefficiency, illegal practices, etc
- (as modifier)a watchdog committee
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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