noun

watchdog

/ˈwɒtʃdɒɡ/ · say it: WOTCH·dog

a person or group that monitors others for wrongdoing

In From the Front Page

In more detail

1. (noun) a dog that guards a place and warns of danger

2. (noun) a person or organization that monitors and protects people's interests against illegal or unfair actions

Examples

1. The watchdog barked loudly when a stranger approached the house.
2. Consumer watchdogs are investigating complaints about the company's unsafe products.

How to use watchdog

Watchdog is used both literally for a dog trained to guard property and figuratively for an official body or agency that supervises compliance with laws or regulations. The figurative sense is more common in modern usage, particularly in journalism and governance contexts. It carries a positive connotation of vigilance and accountability.

Common phrases

watchdog group
watchdog organization
watchdog committee
act as a watchdog
independent watchdog

Synonyms

guard dog · sentinel · monitor · overseer · protector

Word family

watchdogging · watchdogs

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse watchdog with attack dog or guard dog when referring to the literal animal; watchdog emphasizes alerting to danger rather than aggressive response.

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