watchdog

American  

[woch-dawg, -dog] / ˈwɒtʃˌdɔg, -ˌdɒg /

noun

1. a dog kept to guard property.

2. a watchful guardian.

   a self-appointed watchdog of the public morals.

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a watchdog.

2. organized or functioning as a watchful guardian, especially against illegal or unethical conduct.

   a watchdog group in the legislature.

verb (used with object)

watchdogged, watchdogging

1. to watch carefully, especially so as to detect illegal or unethical conduct.

watchdog British  

/ ˈwɒtʃˌdɒɡ /

noun

1. a dog kept to guard property

2. 1. a person or group of persons that acts as a protector or guardian against inefficiency, illegal practices, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a watchdog committee

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Etymology

Origin of watchdog

First recorded in 1600–10; watch + dog

Example Sentences

The justices also directed the law enforcement agency to comply with the watchdog’s requests for records.

From Los Angeles Times

France's public health watchdog last year said platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram were detrimental to adolescents, particularly girls, though it was not the sole reason for their declining mental health.

From Barron's

Commerce officials have requested more oversight over the program and its partnership with AT&T, citing internal watchdog reports that have criticized its management.

From The Wall Street Journal

The government's spending watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility, has forecast the tax will bring in £4.6bn for the Treasury in the year 2025-2026.

From BBC

A host of tech giants including Facebook and YouTube are under investigation for potentially breaching Australia's world-leading social media ban for under-16s, the nation's online watchdog said Tuesday.

From Barron's

Related Words

• curator
• keeper
• overseer
• protector
• steward
• superintendent
• supervisor
• warden