watchword

[woch-wurd]

noun

1. a word or short phrase to be communicated, on challenge, to a sentinel or guard; password or countersign.

   Synonyms: shibboleth

2. a word or phrase expressive of a principle or rule of action; slogan.

   Conservation has been our watchword.

   Synonyms: shibboleth

3. a rallying cry of a party, club, team, etc.

   Synonyms: motto

watchword

/ ˈwɒtʃˌwɜːd /

noun

1. another word for password

2. a rallying cry or slogan

Word History and Origins

Origin of watchword¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; watch, word

Example Sentences

Now I’ve endeavored to be like an old dog who can learn new tricks, so humility has been the watchword for my second decade of marriage.

From Los Angeles Times

“Unpredictability” will be a predictable weather watchword throughout all of our lifetimes.

From Salon

After years of argument and dispute about the meaning of gender, the watchword of Wednesday's Supreme Court ruling has to be clarity.

From BBC

The limits of these "vital interests" have always been left deliberately vague – ambiguity and credibility being the two watchwords of nuclear deterrence.

From BBC

Memory was the watchword of this day, marked around the world as International Holocaust Memorial Day.

From BBC