Watchdog

Pronunciation: /wɒtʃdɔːɡ/

Definitions of watchdog

noun a person or group that monitors and oversees the actions of others, especially in a regulatory or supervisory capacity

Example Sentences

A1 A watchdog is a type of dog that is trained to guard property.

A2 The watchdog barked loudly when someone approached the house.

B1 The government has appointed a watchdog to monitor the financial activities of banks.

B2 The consumer watchdog organization is responsible for ensuring fair business practices.

C1 The media watchdog criticized the news outlet for biased reporting.

C2 The independent watchdog group exposed corruption within the government.

Examples of watchdog in a Sentence

formal The watchdog organization is responsible for monitoring the financial activities of the company.

informal My neighbor's dog is a great watchdog, always barking at any strangers approaching the house.

slang I heard that new security system is a real watchdog, keeping an eye on everything happening in the neighborhood.

figurative The media serves as a watchdog, holding those in power accountable for their actions.

Grammatical Forms of watchdog

• past tense: watchdogged
• plural: watchdogs
• comparative: more watchdog-like
• superlative: most watchdog-like
• present tense: watchdogs
• future tense: will watchdog
• perfect tense: have watchdogged
• continuous tense: is watchdogging
• singular: watchdog
• positive degree: watchdog
• infinitive: to watchdog
• gerund: watchdogging
• participle: watchdogged

Origin and Evolution of watchdog

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The word 'watchdog' originated from the concept of a dog that watches over or guards a property or person.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'watchdog' has evolved to refer not only to dogs that guard but also to individuals or organizations that monitor or oversee activities to ensure compliance or prevent wrongdoing.