watchman

[ woch-muhn ]

noun

, plural watch·men.

1. a person who keeps guard over a building at night, to protect it from fire, vandals, or thieves.
2. (formerly) a person who guards or patrols the streets at night.

watchman

/ ˈwɒtʃmən /

noun

1. a person employed to guard buildings or property
2. (formerly) a man employed to patrol or guard the streets at night

Other Words From

• watchman·ly adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of watchman¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; watch, man

Example Sentences

Some people had their own fire buckets - and those who could afford it paid insurance companies with watchmen to raise the alarm and crews to put out the fires.

From BBC

Villagers should avoid letting children roam unsupervised in areas where wolves might be hiding and appoint night watchmen to patrol the streets.

From BBC

Zimmerman, a self-appointed neighborhood watchman who thought Martin looked suspicious, was acquitted.

From Seattle Times

“Many congregants across the nation bow in prayer minutes before the midnight hour as they sing out “Watchman, watchman, please tell me the hour of the night.’

From Seattle Times

It was while working as a night watchman on a dive boat that Reginald was encouraged to venture into the water.

From BBC

Related Words

• caretaker
• custodian
• patrolman
• policeman
• warden