dogwatch

noun

dog·​watch ˈdȯg-ˌwäch How to pronounce dogwatch (audio)
1
: either of two watches of two hours on shipboard that extend from 4 to 6 and 6 to 8 p.m.
2
: any of various night shifts
especially : the last shift

Examples of dogwatch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Beside him was Jerry Hayter, a grizzled sergeant who was in charge of overseeing the dogwatch squad. Ali Winston, Rolling Stone, 9 Jan. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1700, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dogwatch was in 1700

Dictionary Entries Near dogwatch

Cite this Entry

“Dogwatch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dogwatch. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

dog watch

noun
1
: a watch on a ship from 4 to 6 or from 6 to 8 p.m.
2
: any of various night shifts
especially : the last shift

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