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watch

watch

1 7.0
A computer program that repeats a command to show updated output
  • noun
  • /wɑtʃ/
  • Specialized
: comando watch
  • The watch displayed the temperature and humidity levels as it monitored the environment.

Examples

  • Its utility is to shake us out of our standard American buy-stuff-and-watch-TV half-life.

    Academic text (2007)
  • The cedar stands watch, its dark lungs breathing as we breathe in our sleep.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • This is Air Watch Two with the 6AM report.

  • Parents can set a good example by monitoring their own TV watching and regulating which programs their children watch.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Research indicates rising levels of youth television watching and video game use, physical inactivity, and related overweight.

    Academic text (2014)
  • Using a watch, the technician regularly checked the server's performance and uptime.

  • With the help of the watch, the engineer could automate command execution and track system resources.

Synonyms

monitor program
vswatch
  • Specialized
2 4.6

A computer tool that watches a system, reports problems, and can restart services

runs a single command repeatedly and shows its output for simple checking
watcher
vswatch
  • Specialized
1 6.4

A program that watches files or events and starts actions when they change

checks a command on a fixed schedule and displays its results for quick checks

Idioms

During the time someone is responsible for what happens

Be careful when you move and act to avoid danger and trouble

35 6.1

The time when I am in charge of something

To avoid saying rude or offensive words when you speak

watch your ass
  • Offensive
13 9.9

Be very careful because you could get into trouble

Look at a person or thing very carefully for a while to notice problems

Look out for each other in dangerous situations

5 7.8

To do something very boring and slow

2 4.6

To spend time looking at people and things happening around you without taking part

Expect more news or updates soon

worth the watch
  • Informal
1 3.2

Good enough that you should see it

1 7.5

Be careful what you say to avoid offending someone

To arrive so regularly that people can tell the time by your arrival

A humorous saying men use to remember important things before leaving the house

To look at the sky as the sun comes up

Compounds

13 2.3

Careful, constant watching of people or things to notice problems

pocket watch
  • Archaic
13 3.5

A small watch carried in a pocket and often connected to a chain

8 4.7

A time when people guard a place at night

A watch that shows the time as numbers on a screen

2 4.5

A close-fitting knitted hat worn in cold weather, often by sailors

watch chain
  • Archaic
2 2.8

A short chain or ribbon that holds a pocket watch on a vest

1 3.7

A team of workers who work during the day, usually from 8 am to 4 pm

1 3.9

A metal or plastic cover for a watch that protects its inner parts

A band of metal or leather that attaches a watch to your wrist

binge-watch
  • Texting
1 3.5

A long session of watching many TV episodes in one sitting

watch fire
  • Archaic
1 8.2

A fire kept burning at night to signal people far away

A clear cover that protects the face of a watch

watch pocket
  • Archaic
1 5.1

A small space in a vest for keeping a watch you carry

watch key
  • Archaic
1 9.0

A small metal key with a square hole used to wind old pocket devices that tell time

1 3.2

A watch with moving hands on a face with numbers that shows the time

1 5.3

A clear protective cover over the face of a watch

A small pocket clock with a hinged metal lid that protects the glass

1 7.1

A religious evening service on New Year's Eve for prayer and reflection

middle watch
  • Specialized
1 9.5

The time on a ship from midnight to four in the morning when crew are on duty

1 7.4

A late-night work shift from midnight to early morning on ships or in factories

listening watch
  • Specialized
1 7.6

A time when someone keeps listening on a radio for important messages

watch glass
  • Specialized
1 5.5

A shallow round glass dish used in labs to let liquids dry or to cover a beaker

watch guard
  • Archaic
1 6.7

A short chain or ribbon that clips a pocket watch to clothing

8.5

Keeping a radio on all the time to listen for important messages

pendulum watch
  • Archaic
9.9

A small watch from the 1700s with a fake swinging pendulum under glass

How Automated

monitoring program
  • Specialized
1 4.1
watch
  • Specialized
1 7.0
script
  • Specialized
45 3.6
check
823 1.0

Surface Forms

watch singular
watches plural

Etymology

Watch The computing tool called watch borrows the verb watch meaning 'to look at' or 'to keep an eye on'. It 'watches' a command and shows its results again and again so you can see any change.