noun
- a dog kept to guard property or warn of intruders
- a person or organization that monitors others for wrongdoing or ensures compliance with rules
Examples
- The family’s German shepherd served as an excellent watchdog.
- Their old watchdog barked whenever strangers approached the house.
- The consumer advocacy group acts as a watchdog for unfair business practices.
- Environmental watchdogs monitor pollution levels in the river.
- The media serves as a watchdog over government activities.
- A financial watchdog agency investigated the bank’s lending practices.