watch
14 ENTRIES FOUND:
watches;
watched;
watching
watches;
watched;
watching
Britannica Dictionary definition of WATCH
1
a
:
to look at (someone or something) for an amount of time and pay attention to what is happening
[+ object]
-
They have a rookie on the team who is fun to watch.
-
I fell asleep watching television.
-
What movie are you watching?
-
“Mom, watch me do a cartwheel!”
-
Watch us (do it) to see how it's done.
-
She sat and watched the children play.
-
He didn't know that he was being watched by the police. [=that the police were looking at what he was doing]
[no object]
-
“Would you like to play, too?” “No, I'll just watch.”
-
Just sit back and watch.
-
Keep watching to see what happens next.
-
“What happens next?” “Watch and see.”
b
:
to give your attention to (a situation, an event, etc.)
[+ object]
-
People are watching this presidential race very carefully/closely.
-
Fans anxiously watched the clock [=they paid close attention to the time remaining on the clock] as the end of the game approached.
[no object]
-
Investors watched with delight as stock prices rose.
2
[+ object]
:
to care for (someone or something) for a period of time in order to make sure that nothing bad or unwanted happens
-
Will you watch my things (for me) until I get back?
-
He watched [=took care of] the baby while I made dinner.
-
Can you watch the dog for us this weekend?
-
Watch yourself [=be careful] up on the roof.
3
[+ object]
a
:
to try to control (something)
-
She tries to watch her weight. [=she tries not to gain weight]
-
The doctor told him that he has to watch what he eats.
-
We've been watching how much money we spend.
b
:
to be careful about (something)
— usually used in commands
-
Watch your step. These stairs are slippery.
-
Watch your head getting into the car.
-
Watch what you're doing! You almost hit me.
-
Watch what you say in front of him. He's very sensitive.
-
Watch your language/mouth/tongue, young lady! [=don't say rude or inappropriate things]
4
not used in progressive tenses,
[+ object]
:
to make sure that something bad or unwanted does not happen
— often used in commands
-
You will want to watch that it doesn't happen again.
-
Watch (that) you don't fall!
-
Watch (that) the wind doesn't blow your papers away.
a watched pot never boils
watch for
[phrasal verb]
1
watch for (someone or something)
:
to look for (someone or something that you expect to see)
-
Are you watching for your parents? They should be here any minute.
-
She watches for her school bus from inside her house.
-
The nurse watched for signs of the disease.
-
We need to watch for any sudden changes in his heartbeat.
2
watch for (something)
:
to look for (something that you want to get or use)
-
She is always watching for sales.
watch it
informal
— used to tell someone to be careful
-
Watch it! You nearly knocked over that lamp!
watch out
[phrasal verb]
:
to be aware of something dangerous
— often + for
-
If you don't watch out you could fall.
-
You'd better watch out. [=be careful] These stairs are slippery.
-
Watch out for that car!
-
There are many dangers that you need to watch out for.
watch over
[phrasal verb]
watch over (someone or something)
:
to take care of (someone or something)
-
The shepherds watched over their sheep.
-
She believed that angels were watching over her.
watch (someone or something) like a hawk
watch someone's back
watch your back
watch your p's and q's
watch your step
you watch
informal
— used to tell someone that you think something will probably happen
-
She'll change her mind again, you watch. [=I think she'll change her mind again]
2
watch
/ˈwɑːtʃ/
noun
plural
watches
2
watch
/ˈwɑːtʃ/
noun
plural
watches
Britannica Dictionary definition of WATCH
1
[count]
:
a device that shows what time it is and that you wear on your wrist or carry in a pocket
—
compare clock;
see also stopwatch, wristwatch
-
He glanced/looked at his watch.
-
digital watches
2
a
:
the act of giving your attention to someone or something especially in order to make sure that nothing bad or unwanted happens
[singular]
— usually + on or over
-
He maintains a vigilant watch over his property.
-
The guards kept a close watch over the prisoner. [=the guards watched the prisoner closely]
[noncount]
-
We are continuing to keep watch on [=monitor] developments in the region.
b
[singular]
:
the act of looking for someone or something that you expect to see
:
the act of regularly checking to see if someone has arrived or if something has appeared or happened
—
see also whale watch
-
She kept watch outside while the others robbed the bank. [=she watched to make sure that no one was coming while the others robbed the bank]
-
The police told residents to keep a watch out for a black van. [=to watch for a black van]
-
When you're driving in winter you should always be on the watch for ice on the roads.
-
I am always on the watch for a good bargain. [=always trying to find a good bargain]
3
a
:
a period of time when a person or group is responsible for guarding or protecting someone or something
[count]
— usually singular
-
Who has first watch?
-
Everything was peaceful during his watch.
-
My watch ends in an hour.
[noncount]
-
Two guards were on watch. = Two guards were standing watch.
b
[count]
:
a group of people who guard or protect someone or something for a period of time
— usually singular
—
see also neighborhood watch
-
A fresh group of soldiers relieved the morning/night watch.
c
[count]
:
the period of time during which someone is in charge of something
— usually singular
-
The business increased its profits on her watch. [=the business increased its profits while she was running it]
-
“Will anything go wrong?” “Not on my watch!”
4
[count]
US
:
a quick announcement from an official source which tells people that severe weather conditions could occur very soon
— usually singular
-
The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch.
-
a tornado watch
