adjective
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vigilant or alert
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archaic not sleeping
Synonym Usage
See alert.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of watchful
Explanation
To be watchful is to be alert and aware. A watchful dog might keep an eye on the sidewalk in front of your house all afternoon. The adjective watchful is good for describing someone who keeps an attentive eye on things. A watchful teacher, for example, knows immediately when a student is being teased, and a watchful driver is quick to stop for a pedestrian crossing the street. When you're on the lookout, you're being watchful. The word comes from the Middle English waccheful, which used to have an alternate meaning of "wakeful" or "sleepless."
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.
Despite them keeping a watchful eye on Noah, they said they were fearful for his safety and cannot rest.
From BBC ● Oct. 2, 2026
We should continue to be watchful and concerned about what these agents can do and why they’re out there, as well as demand responsibility from the people who make them.
From Slate ● Sep. 15, 2026
Rodriguez, who is governing under Washington's watchful eye since the January ouster of Nicolas Maduro, has submitted power industry reforms to lawmakers, but they have not yet been approved.
From Barron's ● Sep. 12, 2026
Mostly, though, they keep a watchful eye for intruders.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
Gwydion, watchful, sat with his knees drawn up, his back against an enormous elm.
From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander
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.
