sentry

[ sen-tree ]

noun

, plural sen·tries.

1. a soldier stationed at a place to stand guard and prevent the passage of unauthorized persons, watch for fires, etc., especially a sentinel stationed at a pass, gate, opening in a defense work, or the like.
2. a member of a guard or watch.

sentry

/ ˈsɛntrɪ /

noun

1. a soldier who guards or prevents unauthorized access to a place, keeps watch for danger, etc
2. the watch kept by a sentry

Word History and Origins

Origin of sentry¹

1605–15; short for sentrinel, variant of sentinel

Word History and Origins

Origin of sentry¹

C17: perhaps shortened from obsolete centrinel, C16 variant of sentinel

Example Sentences

The City of London Corporation said the other painted on 11 August - swimming piranhas on a City of London Police sentry box - had been taken to Guildhall Yard so it could be viewed safely.

From BBC

The public then flooded to see the swimming piranhas, which appeared on the side of a City of London Police sentry box.

From BBC

It comes a day after painted swimming piranhas on to a City of London Police sentry box, which was first spotted on Sunday morning.

From BBC

An artwork of swimming fish painted on to a City of London Police sentry box has led to speculation it may be the latest in a new series of works from the artist Banksy.

From BBC

And so Friday, families trickled in starting at 8:15 a.m. while private security guards stood sentry.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• sentinel