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.

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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

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Etymology

Origin of watchdog

First recorded in 1600–10; watch + dog

Example Sentences

The watchdog said patients being brought into A&E were being treated in waiting rooms, corridors and in ambulances outside hospital because of a lack of beds.

From BBC

NHS Scotland spent £440m last year on beds for patients who were unable to get out of hospital despite being ready to be discharged, according to public spending watchdogs.

From BBC

In October the watchdog urged Phillipson to speed up her approval, saying some organisations were using old guidance, which is unlawful.

From BBC

The police watchdog previously said the car she was inside had stopped for safety reasons.

From BBC

He said South Yorkshire Police would fully cooperate with any subsequent investigation by the police watchdog.

From BBC

Related Words

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