watchdog

1 of 2

noun

watch·​dog ˈwäch-ˌdȯg How to pronounce watchdog (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The inspectors general are independent watchdogs within agencies who investigate and disclose waste, fraud and abuse. Riley Beggin, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025 Still, Trump has aggressively challenged the authority of independent agency watchdog groups in the past. Zeke Miller, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025 Last September, the secretary of state, Antony J. Blinken, approved that entire amount, despite persistent criticism of Egypt’s human rights record from some Democratic lawmakers and watchdog groups. Edward Wong, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025 By Brendan Cole Senior News Reporter 24 Elon Musk's controversial gesture at Donald Trump's inauguration was a Nazi salute, a watchdog in Germany that monitors anti-Semitism has told Newsweek. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for watchdog 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1612, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of watchdog was in 1612

Dictionary Entries Near watchdog

Cite this Entry

“Watchdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watchdog. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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