# watchman

/ˈwɑtʃmən/ (US) · /wˈɒtʃmən/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

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

## Definition

a person whose job is to guard a building or property, especially at night. They make sure the place is safe and that no one enters without permission.

For teachers: a person employed to guard a building or property against intruders, fire, or damage. Often used in a historical or literary context, as 'security guard' is the more common modern equivalent.

## Examples

- The watchman walks around the factory every hour at night.
- The night watchman noticed the broken window and immediately called the police to report a break-in.
- In the quiet hours before dawn, the lone watchman found solace in the rhythmic sound of his own footsteps echoing through the empty warehouse corridors.

## Usage notes

- The plural form is 'watchmen'.

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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.