watchman

word

/ˈwɑtʃmən/
WAHCH-muhn
/wˈɒtʃmən/
WOCH-muhn

Definition

A watchman is a person whose job is to guard or protect a building or area, usually at night.

Usage & Nuances

Mostly used for someone guarding property at night or in older buildings. 'Watchman' is formal and sometimes seen as old-fashioned; 'security guard' is more modern. Used for both residential and commercial locations.

Example Sentences

The watchman locked the gate at midnight.

basic

A watchman works while everyone else sleeps.

basic

The old watchman greeted us every morning.

basic

We left our bikes with the watchman at the front gate.

natural

If you see the watchman making his rounds, tell him about the broken window.

natural

Being a watchman can be lonely, but he says he enjoys the quiet.

natural