watchdog

American  

[woch-dawg, -dog] / ˈwɒtʃˌdɔg, -ˌdɒg /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of watchdog

First recorded in 1600–10; watch + dog

Example Sentences

In a March report, the Treasury watchdog said the IRS was rethinking its audit coverage goals for large partnerships in the wake of a smaller staff.

From MarketWatch • May 20, 2026

Ministerial ethics watchdog Sir Laurie Magnus said he had "allowed a perception of impropriety to develop" and "failed to uphold the standards expected in the rules".

From BBC • May 19, 2026

On May 11, the nonpartisan watchdog organization Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics filed a complaint with the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, alleging the venture violated federal gift and travel rules.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

The country's consumer watchdog had sued Coles over its "Down Down" promotions on hundreds of items, arguing they were not really discounts as the supermarket had temporarily raised prices before the offers.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

“And they do need a watchdog here,” barked Tock sadly.

From "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster

Related Words

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