watch

A small clock that you wear on your wrist to tell the time.

• My watch has stopped.
• She wears a silver watch.
• He checked his watch before leaving.

Similar words: wristwatch

Common phrases: wear a watch, digital watch, watch strap, pocket watch

A period when a ship's crew works on duty, or the crew working during that period.

• My watch starts at four.
• The next watch came onto the bridge.
• She stayed on watch until the ship reached port.

How to use it: on watch (Two officers were on watch when the storm began.)

Similar words: shift

Common phrases: on watch, morning watch, change of watch

A period when someone stays awake and alert to guard a place or protect people.

• The first watch ends at midnight.
• We took turns during the night watch.
• He fell asleep halfway through his watch.

How to use it: on watch (One soldier remained on watch outside the camp.)

Similar words: guard duty

Common phrases: night watch, first watch, stand watch

To look at someone or something for a while, paying attention to what happens.

• I watch television after dinner.
• We watched the birds building a nest.
• Did you watch the match last night?

How to use it: watch someone do something (We watched him cross the road.); watch someone doing something (She watched the children playing.)

Similar words: observe, view

Common phrases: watch television, watch a film, watch someone play, watch closely

To be careful about someone or something that could cause trouble or harm.

• Watch your step on these stairs.
• You should watch him; he often lies.
• Watch your language when children are nearby.

Similar words: beware of, be careful about

Common phrases: watch your step, watch your tongue, watch that person