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.
Analysts were watching talks between the U.S. and Iran, but some were skeptical that these could imminently clear the Strait of Hormuz of military tensions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026
Garbo and his colleagues were watching one of several major rifts that appeared likely to eventually cut across the entire ice tongue.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 4, 2026
They were watching a rerun of “The Porter Wagoner Show,” the program that had helped launch Dolly to country music stardom, on a little TV set using rabbit ears, when she appeared.
From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2026
“People tell me, especially Black ‘90s kids who were watching for my seasons, they’re like, ‘We really paid attention to you because you were the only Black girl!’
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 15, 2026
All of the children were watching in amazement.
From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry
