# watch

/ˈwɑtʃ/ (US) · /wˈɒtʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/watch
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to look at for a time

verb · CEFR A1

to look at someone or something for a period of time, especially something that moves.

For teachers: to look at or observe attentively over a period of time. Ambitransitive — can be used with or without a direct object.

- We sat on the bench and watched the people walking through the park.
- The researchers watched the birds for several hours, documenting every interaction between the nesting pairs and their offspring.

### 2. to guard or look after

verb · CEFR A2

to take care of something or someone for a short time to make sure they are safe.

For teachers: to keep under attentive view or to maintain guard over someone or something.

- Could you watch my bag for a minute while I go to the bathroom?
- The shepherd stayed awake all night to watch the flock, fearing that wolves might approach from the nearby forest.

### 3. to be careful

verb · CEFR B1

to be careful about something or pay attention to a danger.

For teachers: to exercise caution or be vigilant regarding a potential risk or specific detail.

- You should watch your step on these icy stairs.
- Investors are advised to watch the market closely, as sudden policy changes could affect stock prices overnight.

### 4. a timepiece

noun · CEFR A1

a small clock that you wear on your wrist or carry in your pocket.

For teachers: a portable timepiece designed to be worn on the wrist or carried in a pocket.

- He looked at his watch and realised he was ten minutes late for the meeting.
- She received a gold watch as a retirement gift, engraved with her years of service to the company.

### 5. guard duty

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a period of time when someone stays awake to guard a place, especially on a ship.

For teachers: a period of duty for guarding or observing, particularly one of the shifts into which the day is divided on a ship.

- The sailor finished his watch at midnight and went to his cabin to sleep.
- During the storm, the captain ordered extra crew members to remain on watch to ensure the vessel stayed on course.

Usage: Often used with 'on' or 'off', as in 'on watch'.

## Examples

- I check my watch to see if I am late.
- He looked at his watch and realized the meeting started ten minutes ago.
- Despite the prevalence of smartphones, many professionals still prefer a mechanical watch for its reliability and the classic aesthetic it lends to formal attire.

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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.