1. a short watch period on a ship, typically lasting two hours instead of the usual four
Usage: nautical

Examples

• The sailor was assigned to the first dogwatch from 4 to 6 PM.
• During the dogwatch, the crew prepared for the evening meal.
• The captain split the evening watch into two dogwatches.
• He preferred the second dogwatch because it ended at sunset.
• The dogwatch system helps rotate crew duties fairly.
• Navigation updates were given during each dogwatch.