Word
sentry
Phoneticssen·try, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɛntɹi/
UK/sˈɛntɹi/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a soldier or guard whose job is to stand at a gate or entrance and watch for danger.
n. a soldier stationed to keep guard or to control access to a specific location.
Examples
“The sentry stands at the main gate.”
“The sentry challenged the approaching vehicle and asked the driver for identification before opening the gate.”
“Throughout the long winter night, the lone sentry paced the perimeter of the outpost, scanning the dark horizon for any sign of movement that might signal an approaching threat.”
Examples
simple
“The sentry stands at the main gate.”
contextual
“The sentry challenged the approaching vehicle and asked the driver for identification before opening the gate.”
complex
“Throughout the long winter night, the lone sentry paced the perimeter of the outpost, scanning the dark horizon for any sign of movement that might signal an approaching threat.”
Usage
Often used with the verb 'to stand' ('to stand sentry').
Real-World Examples
“The threat from their own side was just as real: French and British sentries, awash in rumors of infiltrators and unnerved by automobiles, often panicked at checkpoints.” Etymology
From earlier sentrie, sentery, of uncertain origin. Perhaps an alteration of sentinel or sanctuary; or perhaps from Old French senteret (“a path”), diminutive of sentier, from Medieval Latin semitarius (“a path”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/sentry