watch watch /ˈwɔtʃ/

noun

1. () A small portable timepiece  ( ticker [Informal] , watch )
   a small portable timepiece
    He checked the time on his sleek black watch
   He checked the time on his sleek black watch
   
   
2. () A purposeful surveillance to guard or observe  ( vigil , watch )
   a purposeful surveillance to guard or observe
   
3. () A period of time (4 or 2 hours) during which some of a ship's crew are on duty  ( watch )
   a period of time (4 or 2 hours) during which some of a ship's crew are on duty
     He glanced at his watch to check the time.
   He glanced at his watch to check the time.
   
4. () The period during which someone (especially a guard) is on duty  ( watch )
   the period during which someone (especially a guard) is on duty
   
5. (religion) the rite of staying awake for devotional purposes (especially on the eve of a religious festival)  ( vigil , watch )
   (religion) the rite of staying awake for devotional purposes (especially on the eve of a religious festival)
   
6. A person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event  ( lookout , lookout man , spotter , picket , scout , sentinel , sentry , watch )
   a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
    The picket stood outside, waiting to raise alarm if necessary.
   The picket stood outside, waiting to raise alarm if necessary.
   
   

verb

1. () Look attentively  ( watch )
   look attentively
    Watch a basketball game
   watch a basketball game
   
2. () Follow with the eyes or the mind  ( watch over , observe , follow , keep an eye on , watch )
   follow with the eyes or the mind
    Keep an eye on the baby, please!
   Keep an eye on the baby, please!
    The world is watching Sarajevo
   The world is watching Sarajevo
    She followed the men with the binoculars
   She followed the men with the binoculars
   
3. () See or watch  ( catch , take in , view , see , watch )
   see or watch
    View a show on television
   view a show on television
    This program will be seen all over the world
   This program will be seen all over the world
    View an exhibition
   view an exhibition
    Catch a show on Broadway
   Catch a show on Broadway
    See a movie
   see a movie
   
4. () Observe with attention  ( look on , watch )
   observe with attention
    They watched as the murderer was executed
   They watched as the murderer was executed
   
5. () Be vigilant, be on the lookout or be careful  ( watch , watch out , look out )
   be vigilant, be on the lookout or be careful
    Watch out for pickpockets!
   Watch out for pickpockets!
   
6. Find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort  ( ascertain , check , determine , find out , learn , see , watch )
   find out, learn, or determine with certainty, usually by making an inquiry or other effort
    I want to see whether she speaks French
   I want to see whether she speaks French
    See whether it works
   See whether it works
    Find out if he speaks Russian
   find out if he speaks Russian
    Check whether the train leaves on time
   Check whether the train leaves on time
   
7. Observe or determine by looking  ( watch )
   observe or determine by looking
    Watch how the dog chases the cats away
   Watch how the dog chases the cats away