watchword

noun

watch·​word ˈwäch-ˌwərd 

ˈwȯch-

1

: a word or phrase used as a sign of recognition among members of the same society, class, or group

2

a

: a word or motto that embodies a principle or guide to action of an individual or group : slogan

"safety" is our watchword

b

: a guiding principle

change is the watchword for both parties

Synonyms of watchword

• word

Examples of watchword in a Sentence

The new watchword in his campaign is “It's time for change.”

the watchword is changed every day

Recent Examples on the Web

Although affordability has become a watchword for politicians who understand that rising prices are hurting American families, lawmakers seem to have forgotten that reducing federal deficits would help bring down prices. —Martha Gimbel, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026

Strong, strong, strong — that’s the watchword. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 May 2026

Low-waste is the watchword, with any small amount of kitchen waste eventually becoming nutrient-rich compost. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026

But in modern English parlance, mantra has come to mean a person or group’s representative phrase, similar to a slogan or a watchword. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for watchword

• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword
• catbird
• catchword
• concurred
• conferred
• cowbird
• cowherd
• crossword
• deferred

Kids Definition

watchword

noun

watch·​word -ˌwərd 

1

: a secret word used as a signal or password

2

: a motto used as a slogan or cry for common support