monitor
MON-ih-tuh
Monitor (noun) means a screen used to display output from a computer or other device. Example: “She upgraded to a wider monitor for editing video.”
noun
1
A screen used to display output from a computer or other device.
"She upgraded to a wider monitor for editing video."
"The monitor flickered once before showing the login screen."
"I spilled tea near the monitor, so now there is a faint mark on the screen."
2
A person or device that watches over something to check on its condition or progress.
"A heart monitor tracked her pulse throughout the night."
"The hallway monitor made sure students got to class on time."
"The lifeguard acted as a monitor, keeping an eye on the children in the pool."
verb
1
To watch or check something regularly over time.
"Doctors monitored his blood pressure closely after the surgery."
"The app monitors your spending and flags unusual charges."
"Our teacher monitors how well each pupil is getting on with the project."
How to use monitor
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the screen you look at, or the act of keeping a close eye on something.
Common pairings
monitor progress
a computer monitor
closely monitor
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Word forms
- Plural
- monitors
- Third person singular
- monitors
- Past tense
- monitored
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She upgraded to a wider _____ for editing video.
Etymology
From Latin monitor, "one who warns," from monere, "to warn or remind" — the same root behind "admonish" and "premonition."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for monitor
editor
suitor
traitor
visitor
janitor
auditor
creditor
capacitor
solicitor
inhibitor
competitor
inquisitor
See all rhymes for monitor →
Frequently asked questions
What does “monitor” mean?
The word “monitor” means a screen used to display output from a computer or other device. In plain terms, either the screen you look at, or the act of keeping a close eye on something.
How do you pronounce “monitor”?
“Monitor” is pronounced MON-ih-tuh (/ˈmɑ.nɪ.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “monitor” in a sentence?
Here is “monitor” used in a sentence: “She upgraded to a wider monitor for editing video.”
What part of speech is “monitor”?
Depending on how it is used, “monitor” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “monitor” come from?
The word “monitor” comes from Latin. From Latin monitor, "one who warns," from monere, "to warn or remind" — the same root behind "admonish" and "premonition.".
Is “monitor” a common word?
“Monitor” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “monitor” have?
“Monitor” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a screen used to display output from a computer or other device.
What is the difference between a monitor and a screen?
A screen is any surface that displays images, whether on a phone, TV, or laptop, while a monitor is specifically a screen used to display output from a computer or similar device, usually as a separate unit. Every monitor has a screen, but not every screen is a monitor.
What is the difference between a monitor and a TV?
A monitor is designed to display output from a computer and typically has no broadcast tuner and often no built-in speakers. A TV is built to receive and display broadcast or streamed programming on its own.
What is the difference between monitor and observe?
To observe is simply to watch something, while to monitor is to watch it over time in order to check its condition or progress, often systematically or with equipment. A nurse might observe a patient's behaviour but monitor their vital signs.
What is a hall monitor or exam monitor?
In schools, a monitor is a person assigned to watch over an activity or place to check that everything is proceeding properly — a hall monitor supervises corridors, and an exam monitor watches candidates during a test. The role reflects the word's core sense of someone who watches over something to check on its condition or progress.
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