watch meaning and definition

WATCH noun

Definition of watch (noun)

1. a small portable timepiece
   • synonyms: ticker
2. a period of time (4 or 2 hours) during which some of a ship's crew are on duty
3. a purposeful surveillance to guard or observe
   • synonyms: vigil
4. the period during which someone (especially a guard) is on duty
5. a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
   • synonyms: lookout, lookout man, picket, scout, sentinel, sentry, spotter
6. the rite of staying awake for devotional purposes (especially on the eve of a religious festival)
   • synonyms: vigil

WATCH verb

Definition of watch (verb)

1. look attentively
   • "watch a basketball game"
2. follow with the eyes or the mind
   • "Keep an eye on the baby, please!"; "The world is watching Sarajevo"; "She followed the men with the binoculars"
   • synonyms: follow, keep an eye on, observe, watch over
3. see or watch
   • "view a show on television"; "This program will be seen all over the world"; "view an exhibition"; "Catch a show on Broadway"; "see a movie"
   • synonyms: catch, see, take in, view
4. observe with attention
   • "They watched as the murderer was executed"
   • synonyms: look on
5. be vigilant, be on the lookout or be careful
   • "Watch out for pickpockets!"
   • synonyms: look out, watch out
6. observe or determine by looking
   • "Watch how the dog chases the cats away"
7. find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort
   • "I want to see whether she speaks French"; "See whether it works"; "find out if he speaks Russian"; "Check whether the train leaves on time"
   • synonyms: ascertain, check, determine, find out, learn, see