Watch | Mean of watch in English Dictionary

/ˈwɑːtʃ/

• Verb
• to look at (someone or something) for an amount of time and pay attention to what is happening
1. They have a rookie on the team who is fun to watch.
2. I fell asleep watching television.
3. What movie are you watching?
4. “Mom, watch me do a cartwheel!”
5. Watch us (do it) to see how it's done.
6. She sat and watched the children play.
7. He didn't know that he was being watched by the police. [=that the police were looking at what he was doing]
8. “Would you like to play, too?” “No, I'll just watch.”
9. Just sit back and watch.
10. Keep watching to see what happens next.
11. “What happens next?” “Watch and see.”
• to give your attention to (a situation, an event, etc.)
1. People are watching this presidential race very carefully/closely.
2. Fans anxiously watched the clock [=they paid close attention to the time remaining on the clock] as the end of the game approached.
3. Investors watched with delight as stock prices rose.
• to care for (someone or something) for a period of time in order to make sure that nothing bad or unwanted happens
1. Will you watch my things (for me) until I get back?
2. He watched [=took care of] the baby while I made dinner.
3. Can you watch the dog for us this weekend?
4. Watch yourself [=be careful] up on the roof.

• to try to control (something)
1. She tries to watch her weight. [=she tries not to gain weight]
2. The doctor told him that he has to watch what he eats.
3. We've been watching how much money we spend.
• to be careful about (something)
1. Watch your step. These stairs are slippery.
2. Watch your head getting into the car.
3. Watch what you're doing! You almost hit me.
4. Watch what you say in front of him. He's very sensitive.
5. Watch your language/mouth/tongue, young lady! [=don't say rude or inappropriate things]
• to make sure that something bad or unwanted does not happen
1. You will want to watch that it doesn't happen again.
2. Watch (that) you don't fall!
3. Watch (that) the wind doesn't blow your papers away.
• to look for (someone or something that you expect to see)
1. Are you watching for your parents? They should be here any minute.
2. She watches for her school bus from inside her house.
3. The nurse watched for signs of the disease.
4. We need to watch for any sudden changes in his heartbeat.
• to look for (something that you want to get or use)
1. She is always watching for sales.
• to be aware of something dangerous
1. If you don't watch out you could fall.
2. You'd better watch out. [=be careful] These stairs are slippery.
3. Watch out for that car!
4. There are many dangers that you need to watch out for.
• to take care of (someone or something)
1. The shepherds watched over their sheep.
2. She believed that angels were watching over her.
• Noun
• a device that shows what time it is and that you wear on your wrist or carry in a pocket
1. He glanced/looked at his watch.
2. digital watches
• the act of giving your attention to someone or something especially in order to make sure that nothing bad or unwanted happens
1. He maintains a vigilant watch over his property.
2. The guards kept a close watch over the prisoner. [=the guards watched the prisoner closely]
3. We are continuing to keep watch on [=monitor] developments in the region.
• the act of looking for someone or something that you expect to see
1. She kept watch outside while the others robbed the bank. [=she watched to make sure that no one was coming while the others robbed the bank]
2. The police told residents to keep a watch out for a black van. [=to watch for a black van]
3. When you're driving in winter you should always be on the watch for ice on the roads.
4. I am always on the watch for a good bargain. [=always trying to find a good bargain]
• a period of time when a person or group is responsible for guarding or protecting someone or something
1. Who has first watch?
2. Everything was peaceful during his watch.
3. My watch ends in an hour.
4. Two guards were on watch. = Two guards were standing watch.
• a group of people who guard or protect someone or something for a period of time
1. A fresh group of soldiers relieved the morning/night watch.
• the period of time during which someone is in charge of something
1. The business increased its profits on her watch. [=the business increased its profits while she was running it]
2. “Will anything go wrong?” “Not on my watch!”
• a quick announcement from an official source which tells people that severe weather conditions could occur very soon
1. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch.
2. a tornado watch