watchdog
Americannoun
-
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)
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
-
Etymology
Origin of watchdog
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.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor received an undisclosed rental income from sub-letting three cottages on the Royal Lodge estate that he leased from the Crown Estate, the public spending watchdog has revealed.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
The job: The city controller serves as L.A.’s chief auditor and watchdog of the public purse, including scrutinizing how money is spent and whether City Hall is performing efficiently.
From Los Angeles Times • May 31, 2026
One ethics watchdog told me the low rents could constitute illegal gifts.
From Salon • May 29, 2026
That’s not me talking, that’s the independent Medicare Payments Advisory Commission, a body of experts including some from the private —health insurers — that serves as a congressional watchdog on the program.
From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026
“I tell Chris he’s too old for a watchdog now. He sleeps like a stone.”
From "Miracles on Maple Hill" by Virginia Sorensen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
