watchdog

1 of 2

noun

watch·​dog ˈwäch-ˌdȯg 

ˈwȯch-

1

: a dog kept to guard property

2

: one that guards against loss, waste, theft, or undesirable practices

watchdog

2 of 2

verb

watchdogged; watchdogging; watchdogs

transitive verb

: to act as a watchdog for

Examples of watchdog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

If an operation goes sideways, what record will exist of the high-level planning for Congress and internal watchdogs to probe? —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 26 Mar. 2025

The Pentagon’s internal watchdog would also determine how Goldberg was included in the chat, and what the consequences of the unauthorized release, Reed said. —Tom Vanden Brook, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025

An independent government watchdog agency will review the health and safety effects of President Donald Trump's mass firings. —Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025

Idaho Statesman 208-377-6410 Nicole Blanchard is part of the Idaho Statesman’s investigative and watchdog reporting teams. —Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for watchdog

• agog
• backlog
• bulldog
• bullfrog
• eclogue
• eggnog
• groundhog
• hedgehog
• leapfrog
• prolog
• sheepdog
• analog

Kids Definition

watchdog

noun

watch·​dog

ˈwäch-ˌdȯg,

ˈwȯch-

1

: a dog kept to guard property

2

: one that guards against loss, waste, theft, or dishonesty