watchword
Americannoun
-
a word or short phrase to be communicated, on challenge, to a sentinel or guard; password or countersign.
- Synonyms:
- shibboleth
-
a word or phrase expressive of a principle or rule of action; slogan.
Conservation has been our watchword.
- Synonyms:
- shibboleth
-
a rallying cry of a party, club, team, etc.
- Synonyms:
- motto
noun
-
another word for password
-
a rallying cry or slogan
Etymology
Origin of watchword
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at watch, word
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.
The watchword of those efforts, pacing, essentially means putting rules in place that would give companies more time to design A.I. guardrails.
From Slate ● Sep. 9, 2026
In other words, affordability was the watchword before the high court’s decision, and it remains so.
From MarketWatch ● Feb. 20, 2026
The watchword in Venice, by contrast, was “colorito”—colorful.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 30, 2026
"The watchword now is re-engagement, with a dialogue that can take place discreetly, in a calm, peaceful, equal manner, but also with a view to results," said Romatet.
From Barron's ● Nov. 13, 2025
Just as “victory” had been the watchword for the past four years, now “reconversion” came to the fore, with the United States trying to adjust its psyche and its economy to the peace.
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
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.
