ENGLISH
REFERENCE

watches

n.
US //ˈwɑtʃəz// UK //wˈɒtʃɪz// watch·es
  1. 1 periods of duty (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    periods of time when someone, like a guard or sailor, stays awake to look for danger.

    scheduled periods of duty or surveillance, particularly on a ship or in a security context.

    Example

    The sailors took turns during the night watches to keep the ship safe.

    Example

    During the long winter watches, the sentries had to remain vigilant despite the freezing temperatures and total darkness.

Last updated June 19, 2026