adjective
watchful
WOCH-fuhl
adjective
1
Alert and paying close attention; on guard.
"The watchful nurse kept a close eye on her patient overnight."
How to Use Watchful
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishPaying close, careful attention, as if standing guard.
Common pairings
a watchful eye
watchful parent
remain watchful
Word Forms
more watchful comparative, most watchful superlative
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The _____ nurse kept a close eye on her patient overnight.
Etymology
From Middle English waccheful, formed from watch plus -ful.