watch

The definition of a watch is a small time piece worn on the wrist or carried in a pocket.

(noun)

An example of a watch is what someone would wear on their wrist to tell time.

To watch is defined as to stay awake, be alert, observe carefully or look after.

(verb)

An example of to watch is paying attention to a baby while they play.

See watch in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the act or fact of keeping awake, esp. of keeping awake and alert, in order to look after, protect, or guard
1. any of the several periods into which the night was divided in ancient times
2. a part of the night: the still watches of the night
1. close observation for a time, in order to see or find out something
2. the act or process of vigilant, careful guarding: to keep watch over a house
a person or group on duty, esp. at night, to protect or guard; lookout or guard
1. the period of duty of a guard
2. the post of a guard
a small timepiece designed to be carried in the pocket or worn on the wrist, as a pendant, etc.
Obsolete
1. a vigil; wake
2. vigilance
Obsolete a candle marked off into sections, used for keeping time
Obsolete a watchman's cry
Naut.
1. any of the periods of duty (five of four hours, and two of two hours) into which the day is divided on shipboard, so that the work is shared among alternating shifts of the crew
2. the part of the crew on duty during any such period
3. a ship's chronometer

Origin: ME wacche < OE wæcce < base of wacian: see wake

intransitive verb

transitive verb

See watch in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb watched, watch·ing, watch·es

verb, intransitive

To look or observe attentively or carefully; be closely observant: watching for trail markers.
To look and wait expectantly or in anticipation: watch for an opportunity.
To act as a spectator; look on: stood by the road and watched.
To stay awake at night while serving as a guard, sentinel, or watcher.
To stay alert as a devotional or religious exercise; keep vigil.

verb, transitive

To look at steadily; observe carefully or continuously: watch a parade.
To keep a watchful eye on; guard: watched the prisoner all day.
To observe the course of mentally; keep up on or informed about: watch the price of gold.
To tend (a flock, for example). See Synonyms at tend².

noun

The act or process of keeping awake or mentally alert, especially for the purpose of guarding.
a. The act of observing closely or the condition of being closely observed; surveillance.
b. A period of close observation, often in order to discover something: a watch during the child's illness.
A person or group of people serving, especially at night, to guard or protect.
The post or period of duty of a guard, sentinel, or watcher.
Any of the periods into which the night is divided; a part of the night.
Nautical
a. Any of the periods of time, usually four hours, into which the day aboard ship is divided and during which a part of the crew is assigned to duty.
b. The members of a ship's crew on duty during a specific watch.
c. A chronometer on a ship.
a. A period of wakefulness, especially one observed as a religious vigil.
b. A funeral wake.
A small portable timepiece, especially one worn on the wrist or carried in the pocket.
A flock of nightingales. See Synonyms at flock¹.