Monitors: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in offices or technical settings where multiple screens are required for specific tasks.

• The IT team set up new monitors for all the workstations
• The security room was filled with monitors showing live footage

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to any kind of visual display surface, whether on devices or in entertainment (e.g., cinema).

• She cleaned her laptop screen with a special cloth
• They watched the movie on a big cinema screen

Often used in a general context to refer to the visual output mechanism of a device, such as a computer, phone, or TV.

• The phone's display is very clear, making it easy to read messages
• The store had a variety of TV displays for customers to choose from

A technical term, often used in formal or technical documentation to describe a type of screen for computers and other electronic devices.

• The specifications for the new visual display unit are outlined in the user manual
• Engineers inspected the visual display unit to ensure it met the quality standards

When overseeing the progress or status of an ongoing task or system, often in a professional or technical setting.

• The IT team monitors the network for any unusual activity
• The teacher monitors the students' progress through the semester

When carefully watching something for an extended period, often for study or research purposes.

• Scientists observe animals in their natural habitat
• The detective observed the suspect’s actions without being noticed

Typically used in informal situations when someone is looking at something attentively, often without needing to act on it immediately.

• They watch the sunset from the beach
• He likes to watch movies in his free time

Used in more casual or everyday situations when you need to stay informed about someone's location or progress.

• Parents need to keep track of their children's whereabouts
• He tries to keep track of his expenses to stick to his budget