watch
watch Lexical Profile
watch Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A small timepiece worn typically on a strap on one's wrist.
"He glanced at his watch to check if he was late for the meeting."
An act or instance of carefully observing someone or something over a period of time.
"The neighborhood established a night watch to deter crime."
A fixed period of duty on a ship, usually lasting four hours.
"The sailor took the first watch of the night while the rest of the crew slept."
• verb
To look at or observe attentively over a period of time.
"We sat by the lake to watch the sunset paint the sky in vibrant colors."
To exercise care, caution, or restraint about something.
"You need to watch your spending if you want to save up for a new car."
To stay awake for the purpose of attending, guarding, or preserving.
"The shepherds took turns to watch over their flock during the night."
Word Nuance & Usage
In English, 'watch' typically implies observing something in motion or changing over a period of time, distinguishing it from 'see' (to perceive visually) and 'look' (to direct one's eyes).
• Rhymes for watch
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'wæccan' (to keep awake, be awake), of Germanic origin; related to the word 'wake'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.