noun
Very common
watching
WOT-shihng
Watching (noun) means the act of observing something, especially over a period of time. Example: “Bird watching early in the morning taught him a lot of patience.”
noun
1
The act of observing something, especially over a period of time.
"Bird watching early in the morning taught him a lot of patience."
"The watching and waiting seemed endless to the anxious family."
"People-watching is one of her favourite pastimes."
How to use watching
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe activity of looking at or observing something.
Common pairings
people-watching
bird-watching
closely watching
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Word forms
- Plural
- watchings
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Bird _____ early in the morning taught him a lot of patience.
Related words
Rhymes for watching
See all rhymes for watching →Frequently asked questions
What does “watching” mean?
The word “watching” means the act of observing something, especially over a period of time. In plain terms, the activity of looking at or observing something.
How do you pronounce “watching”?
“Watching” is pronounced WOT-shihng (/ˈwɑt͡ʃɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “watching” in a sentence?
Here is “watching” used in a sentence: “People-watching is one of her favourite pastimes.”
What part of speech is “watching”?
“Watching” is a noun.
Is “watching” a common word?
“Watching” is a very common word in modern English.
What is the difference between 'watching' and 'looking'?
'Looking' is directing your eyes toward something, often briefly. 'Watching' means keeping your attention on something over a stretch of time, usually because it moves or changes — watching a film, a game, or a child. Looking can be a glance; watching implies sustained, attentive observation.
What is the difference between 'watching' and 'seeing'?
'Seeing' is passive — it simply happens when your eyes take something in. 'Watching' is active and deliberate; you choose to observe and stay focused over time. You can see a bird fly past by chance, but watching it means following it attentively. Intention and duration set the two apart.
What is an example of 'watching'?
'The watching of birds became her favourite hobby' uses the noun for sustained observation. More broadly, watching describes any attentive viewing over time — watching a storm roll in, or watching over a sleeping child. The sense is of steady, purposeful attention rather than a passing glance.
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