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Definition of sentinel

sentinel

/ˈsɛn.tɪ.nəl/
sen · ti · nel
Plural:sentinels
•
Past Simple:sentineled
•
Past Participle:sentineled
•
Present Participle:sentineling
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sentinel Lexical Profile

sentinel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch to prevent surprise or unauthorized entry.

Example

"A lone sentinel stood watch at the ancient stone gate throughout the night."

2

An indicator, organism, or medical finding whose presence serves as an early warning sign of a broader environmental hazard or disease.

Example

"Lichens often act as an ecological sentinel because they are highly sensitive to air pollution."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sentinel

• verb

1

To watch over or guard as a sentinel, or to station guards around a place.

Example

"Tall pine trees sentineled the quiet mountain valley."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for sentinel
Antonyms
View all antonyms for sentinel

• Rhymes for sentinel

• Nearby Words

sentimentalization
sentimentalize
sentimentally
sentinel
sentry
seoul
separable

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Middle French sentinelle, from Italian sentinella, probably derived from the Latin verb sentire, meaning "to perceive" or "to feel."

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sentinel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sentinel
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