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
Sign up for the Business and Economy newsletter The groups initially sued acting CFPB Director Russell Vought in February, accusing the Trump administration of attempting to dismantle the consumer watchdog. Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 18 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, Britain’s competition watchdog opened an investigation into Google’s search services in January following the country’s implementation of new competition rules. Dylan Butts, CNBC, 16 Apr. 2025 The ban was ordered by Lebanon’s Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar who, according to local media, was prompted to take action by the country’s film and media watchdog amid Israel’s ongoing attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, which have caused civilian deaths. Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025 In a letter to the LAPD’s civilian Police Commission, several watchdog groups said public assurances by city officials that L.A. won’t cooperate in deportations ring hollow. Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Watchdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watchdog. Accessed 23 Apr. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on watchdog

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