noun
watchword
Watchword (noun) means a word adopted as a slogan expressing a principle, belief or guiding rule; a call to action.
noun
1
A word adopted as a slogan expressing a principle, belief or guiding rule; a call to action.
"Atrocities of the most vicious kind were justified by the watchwords: "This is war!" "Might is Right." "Necessity knows no law.""
— Boris Sidis, The Source and Aim of Human Progress (1919)
"The Esk Valley route to Whitby was a classic example: a basic four trains a day service has persisted for decades, with economy the watchword."
— James Abbott, Esk Valley revival (2019)
2
A secret word agreed in advance, used to answer a guard's challenge and show you are not an enemy.
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Etymology
Comes from Middle English wacche word, wacchworde, made up of watch (“guard, sentinel, sentry”) and word.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of watchword?
"watchword" (noun) means a word adopted as a slogan expressing a principle, belief or guiding rule; a call to action.
What is another word for watchword?
Other words for "watchword" include cry, countersign, parole, word, password.
What are the different meanings of watchword?
"watchword" has 2 main meanings: 1. A word adopted as a slogan expressing a principle, belief or guiding rule; a call to action; 2. A secret word agreed in advance, used to answer a guard's challenge and show you are not an enemy.
