noun Uncommon

watchdog

WOCH-dog

Watchdog (noun) means a dog kept to guard property, or by extension, a person or group that monitors organisations for wrongdoing. Example: “The consumer watchdog investigated the airline's refund policy.”

noun

A dog kept to guard property, or by extension, a person or group that monitors organisations for wrongdoing.

"The consumer watchdog investigated the airline's refund policy."

"A watchdog barked at every car that passed the gate."

How to Use Watchdog

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLiterally a guard dog, or figuratively an organisation that monitors others for misconduct.

Common pairings

a watchdog group financial watchdog watchdog report

Word Forms

watchdogged past tense, watchdogs singular

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The consumer _____ investigated the airline's refund policy.

Etymology

From watch + dog.

Synonyms

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guard dog

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “watchdog” mean?

The word “watchdog” means a dog kept to guard property, or by extension, a person or group that monitors organisations for wrongdoing. In plain terms, literally a guard dog, or figuratively an organisation that monitors others for misconduct.

How do you pronounce “watchdog”?

“Watchdog” is pronounced WOCH-dog (/ˈwɑːt͡ʃˌdɑːɡ/ in IPA).

How do you use “watchdog” in a sentence?

Here is “watchdog” used in a sentence: “The consumer watchdog investigated the airline's refund policy.”

What part of speech is “watchdog”?

“Watchdog” is a noun.

Is “watchdog” a common word?

“Watchdog” is an uncommon word in modern English.