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Watchman: meaning, definitions and examples

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watchman

[ ˈwɒtʃmən ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

security guard

A watchman is a person employed to guard and protect a building or area, especially at night.

Synonyms

guard, security guard, sentinel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
watchman	Typically refers to someone who watches over a property, often during the night. Common in older or more formal contexts. The watchman patrolled the mansion grounds every evening. A watchman was stationed at the entrance of the museum.
guard	A general term for someone who protects property or individuals. Can be used in various settings, including buildings, events, or VIP protection. The royal guard stood at attention outside the palace. There was a guard at the bank's entrance.
security guard	A person employed to protect property, assets, or people. Common in modern settings like malls, hospitals, or corporate buildings. The security guard checked everyone's ID at the entrance. A security guard patrolled the parking lot.
sentinel	Often used in a more formal or literary context to describe someone who keeps watch. Can refer to both human and non-human (e.g., fantasy or historical settings) guards. The sentinel stood silently at the fort's gate. Cedars, like sentinels, watched over the ancient battlefield.

Examples of usage

The watchman patrolled the premises to ensure no unauthorized persons entered the building.
The watchman noticed a suspicious individual loitering outside the gate.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

person who keeps watch

A watchman can also refer to a person who stays awake during the night to keep watch or guard a particular place.

Synonyms

guard, lookout, sentinel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
watchman	A watchman refers to someone who is responsible for watching over a place, usually at night, to ensure its safety. This term is commonly used in urban or industrial settings. The watchman patrols the factory grounds each night. They hired a watchman to keep an eye on the construction site after hours.
sentinel	A sentinel is a person who stands guard or keeps watch, particularly in a military context. This term is more formal and often implies a fixed position. The sentinel stood at the gate, alert and ready. Statues of sentinels lined the entrance to the fortress.
lookout	A lookout is a person assigned to keep watch for potential danger or approaching trouble. This term is often used in military, maritime, or criminal contexts. He was on lookout duty at the mountain pass. The pirates posted a lookout in the crow's nest.
guard	A guard is someone who protects a person, place, or thing from danger or unauthorized access. This term is widely used in various contexts including security companies, events, and VIP protection. The museum hired guards to protect its valuable artifacts. We need more guards for the concert.

Examples of usage

The watchman kept a lookout for any signs of danger throughout the night.
In the ancient times, watchmen were stationed on city walls to warn of approaching enemies.

Translations

Translations of the word "watchman" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vigia

🇮🇳 चौकीदार (chowkidar)

🇩🇪 Wächter

🇮🇩 penjaga

🇺🇦 сторож

🇵🇱 strażnik

🇯🇵 番人 (ばんにん, bannin)

🇫🇷 gardien

🇪🇸 guardián

🇹🇷 bekçi

🇰🇷 경비원 (gyeongbiwon)

🇸🇦 حارس (haris)

🇨🇿 hlídač

🇸🇰 strážca

🇨🇳 守卫 (shǒuwèi)

🇸🇮 stražar

🇮🇸 vörður

🇰🇿 қорықшы (qoryqshy)

🇬🇪 დარაჯი (daraji)

🇦🇿 nəzarətçi

🇲🇽 guardián

Etymology

The word 'watchman' originated in Old English as 'wæccmann', combining 'wæcc' (watch) and 'mann' (man). It has been used for centuries to refer to individuals tasked with keeping watch or guarding property. The concept of a watchman has evolved over time, from ancient civilizations assigning guards to protect their settlements to modern security professionals employed to ensure safety and security.