# monitor

/ˈmɑnətɝ/ (US) · /mˈɒnɪtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/monitor
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Senses

### 1. computer screen

noun · CEFR A2

the screen that shows pictures and words from a computer.

For teachers: an electronic visual display for computers, typically consisting of a screen and its housing.

- I bought a second monitor so I could see my emails and my work at the same time.
- The graphic designer invested in a high-resolution monitor to ensure that the colour reproduction was accurate for the print campaign.

### 2. a person who supervises

noun · CEFR B2

someone whose job is to watch a situation to make sure it is fair or safe.

For teachers: an individual appointed to supervise, observe, or verify the conduct of a specific process or group.

- The exam monitor walked around the room to make sure no one was talking.
- International monitors were deployed to the region to oversee the election and ensure the voting process remained transparent.

### 3. medical or technical device

noun · CEFR B1

a piece of equipment that checks and shows information, like your heart rate.

For teachers: an instrument or device used for observing, checking, or keeping a continuous record of a process or quantity.

- The nurse checked the heart monitor to see if the patient was sleeping well.
- The technician calibrated the radiation monitor before entering the laboratory to ensure the safety of the research team.

### 4. to watch and check

verb · CEFR B1

to watch something carefully over a period of time to see how it changes.

For teachers: to observe and check the progress or quality of something over a period of time; to keep under systematic review.

- The doctors will monitor her condition closely for the next twenty-four hours.
- The environmental agency continues to monitor air quality levels in the city to determine the impact of the new traffic regulations.

### 5. a large lizard

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a type of large lizard found in Africa, Asia, and Australia.

For teachers: any of various large tropical lizards of the genus Varanus, known for their powerful builds and predatory nature.

- We saw a large monitor sunning itself on a rock near the river.
- The Komodo dragon is the largest extant species of monitor, reaching lengths of up to three metres in the wild.

### 6. armoured warship

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Technical

a small, slow warship with very large guns used near the coast.

For teachers: a relatively small, slow-moving armoured warship designed for coastal bombardment rather than naval combat.

- The museum has a model of a nineteenth-century monitor used in the war.
- The shallow draft of the monitor allowed it to navigate river estuaries that were inaccessible to the larger ships of the line.

## Examples

- I need a larger monitor for my home office.
- The technician checked the heart rate monitor to ensure the patient remained stable during the procedure.
- While the primary monitor displays the main software interface, the secondary screen is often reserved for real-time data feeds and system diagnostics.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.