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

ScotRail has been ordered to withdraw claims that it offers the "cheapest tickets" on its website after a watchdog ruled this was misleading.

From BBC

The watchdog's chief executive Vijay Rangarajan said there was "a clear conflict of interest in asking existing councils to decide how long it will be before they are answerable to voters".

From BBC

Drivers could be paying more than they should for petrol and diesel after the UK's competition watchdog said fuel profit margins remain at "persistently high levels" despite prices at the pump having fallen.

From BBC

The police watchdog says it may investigate West Midlands Police over its handling of the decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending an Aston Villa game.

From BBC

The watchdog said it would take no further action in a letter to Reform UK's treasurer, shared with the BBC.

From BBC

Related Words

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