# watcher

/ˈwɑtʃɝ/ (US) · /wˈɒtʃɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/watcher
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

a person who observes or looks at something carefully over a long time. You often use this word for people who follow a specific topic, like politics or birds.

For teachers: a person who observes or monitors something closely, often as a hobby or professional interest. Frequently used in compound forms or with a modifier to indicate the specific subject of observation.

## Examples

- The bird watcher waited quietly in the woods.
- Political watchers are predicting a very close race in the upcoming local elections.
- Market watchers remained cautious throughout the afternoon, noting that the sudden surge in trading volume might signal a larger shift in investor sentiment.

## Usage notes

- Often appears as the second element in compound nouns like 'birdwatcher' or 'trend-watcher'.

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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.