# patrolling

/pəˈtɹoʊɫɪŋ/ (US) · /pɐtɹˈəʊlɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/patrolling
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

moving around an area to keep it safe or to make sure everything is okay. You often see police or guards doing this in public places.

For teachers: moving through an area at regular intervals for the purpose of security, observation, or maintenance of order. Present participle of 'patrol'; describes the active process of monitoring a perimeter or zone.

## Examples

- Security guards are patrolling the mall tonight.
- The coast guard spent the entire weekend patrolling the shoreline to ensure that no small vessels were in distress during the storm.
- By patrolling the border with increased frequency, the authorities hoped to deter illegal crossings while simultaneously providing a visible presence to reassure the local residents of their safety.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as a transitive verb taking a direct object (the area being monitored), or intransitively to describe the general activity.

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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.