watcher

[ woch-er ]

noun

1. a person who watches or who keeps watch.
2. an analytic observer of trends, fashions, events, celebrities, or the like:

   Fashion watchers will have noted that pleats have become popular again.

3. a professional or experienced observer and analyst of political and historic trends and events, countries, or the like:

   China watchers in the State Department predict a change in that country's trade policy.

4. poll watcher.

ˈwatcher

/ ˈwɒtʃə /

noun

1. a person who watches
2. a person who maintains a vigil at the bedside of an invalid
3. a representative of a candidate or party stationed at a poll on election day to watch out for fraud

Other Words From

• under·watcher noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of watcher¹

First recorded in 1500–10; watch + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Sky watchers are looking forward to the next meteor shower, the Northern Taurids, which are set to peak on 11-12 November.

From BBC

But longtime California election watchers were more tempered about what the outcome of the ballot measures say about the state’s political leanings.

From Los Angeles Times

There had also been reports of partisan poll watchers using hidden cameras to film election workers; one Republican-affiliated poll watcher was also caught filming outside a polling station, in violation of state law.

From Salon

Nevertheless, election watchers expect that efforts to delay certification of the 2024 vote could take place at the local and state level.

From BBC

Other efforts include the Election Integrity Network, a group founded by a former Trump lawyer who is challenging voter registrations and recruiting poll watchers – partisan observers who attend polling places.

From BBC

Related Words

• onlooker