Word
watchtower
Phoneticswatch·tow·er
UK/wˈɒtʃtaʊɐ/
Definition
n. a tall tower with a window on the side, used for looking out over a large area. People use it to spot enemies or watch for danger.
n. a tall structure with a narrow opening, typically on the side, designed for observation over a wide area. Often associated with military or defensive architecture.
Examples
“The guard stood at the top of the watchtower.”
“From the watchtower, the soldiers could see the entire valley and warn the village of any approaching threats.”
“The medieval fortress featured several strategically placed watchtowers that allowed for constant surveillance of the surrounding roads and the distant horizon.”
Examples
simple
“The guard stood at the top of the watchtower.”
contextual
“From the watchtower, the soldiers could see the entire valley and warn the village of any approaching threats.”
complex
“The medieval fortress featured several strategically placed watchtowers that allowed for constant surveillance of the surrounding roads and the distant horizon.”
Real-World Examples
“Romantics can snooze in the Medici watchtower (€250 for up to six guests), which once marked the southern end of the grand dukedom of Tuscany.” Etymology
From watch + tower.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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