sentinel
7 synonyms for sentinel, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person or animal that stands guard or keeps watch.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
First recorded in the 1570s, from Middle French sentinelle, ultimately from Italian sentire, "to perceive or watch," from Latin sentiō, "to feel."
Full origin of sentinel →Frequently asked questions
What does “sentinel” mean?
The word “sentinel” means a person or animal that stands guard or keeps watch. In plain terms, someone or something that stands watch or gives early warning.
How do you pronounce “sentinel”?
“Sentinel” is pronounced SEHN-tih-nuhl (/ˈsɛn.tɪ.nəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “sentinel” in a sentence?
Here is “sentinel” used in a sentence: “A lone sentinel stood at the castle gate all night.”
What part of speech is “sentinel”?
“Sentinel” is a noun.
Where does the word “sentinel” come from?
The word “sentinel” dates back to around 1570 and comes from Latin. First recorded in the 1570s, from Middle French sentinelle, ultimately from Italian sentire, "to perceive or watch," from Latin sentiō, "to feel.".
Is “sentinel” a common word?
“Sentinel” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sentinel” have?
“Sentinel” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person or animal that stands guard or keeps watch.
