watch
verb (used without object)
to be alertly on the lookout, look attentively, or observe, as to see what comes, is done, or happens.
were watching
-
past progressiveof watch.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Wall Street was especially tuned to this inflation report because Fed officials signaled they were watching it more closely too.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 12, 2026
Investors were watching the results especially closely after several sharp sell-offs in the tech sector over fears the AI bubble might be approaching its bursting point.
From Barron's ● Jul. 15, 2026
Her family were watching the World Cup again on Tuesday when they were informed that McCullagh was appealing his sentence.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
Back then, if you didn’t like what you were watching, you switched the channel.
From MarketWatch ● May 28, 2026
"My dad explained it to me once when we were watching a mystery movie together."
From "Sleepover Sleuths: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #1" by Carolyn Keene
