# sentry

/ˈsɛntɹi/ (US) · /sˈɛntɹi/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sentry
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a soldier or guard whose job is to stand at a gate or entrance and watch for danger.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- Often used with the verb 'to stand' ('to stand sentry').

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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.