Watch Definition Watch Definition 1

Watch (noun) — a device people wear on their wrists to check on time. Nowadays, there are many shapes and types of them, from smart watches to fitness trackers.

Part of speech:
Noun (countable)
Phonetic transcription (IPA):
/wɒtʃ/
CEFR level:
A1
Word frequency:

How to Pronounce “Watch”?

flag uk Audio (UK):
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flag us Audio (US):
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Tips for “watch” pronunciation: 

start with a strong w, then go for a long a, and finish with the tch.

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Examples: How to Use “Watch” in a Sentence?

Learning the word “watch” in the context will make it easier to remember. In addition to the meaning, you will understand the common usage.

I got an Apple Watch for my birthday!
She never takes off this watch. It is a gift from her father.
Should I wear a black or a white watch with my evening dress?
Having a collection of expensive watches is my dream.
I gifted a smart watch to my mom, but new technologies scare her.

What are Synonyms for the Word “Watch”?

As you understand the word’s meaning, it is important to check on “watch” synonyms that speakers use to make their speech more interesting.

Related nouns: timepiece time

Synonyms (contextual): wristwatch clock ticker

Common collocations: waterproof watch choose a watch

“Clock” Word Formation and Description in Context

These collocations will develop your reading, writing, and speaking skills, making you confident in everyday communication, when taking an exam, and more.

With adjectives: heavy watch gold watch steel watch

With verbs: wear a watch buy a watch style a watch

With nouns (noun + noun): pocket watch pilot watch sports watch

Idioms and Phrases with “Watch”

Not only the “watch” spelling is unusual, but also some sayings people use to add colors to their sentences. You can learn some of them here.

  • Set your watch — this phrase can be used in the direct meaning, but sometimes, you can say it as aligning in time with someone.

    I told him to come at 3 p.m., and he is on time! You can set your watch by him.
  • Wind a watch — refers to mechanical watches when you need to make them tick.

    Do you know where I can wind my watch without breaking a bank?
  • On someone’s watch — describes times when someone controls the situation.

    You guys decided to break the school rules? Not on my watch!
Watch Idioma Watch Idioma 1

Test Your Knowledge of “Watch” Meaning

Do a small and fun quiz to reinforce your understanding of the “watch” description. We prepared three activities you may find interesting.

Type 1: True/false statements:
Choose the correct answer:
1
You can check the time on a watch.
2
Some watches are waterproof.
3
People commonly wear watches on their necks.
Type 2: Right word order:
Rearrange the chaotic words to make the sentence:
1
me
Parents
watch
a
got
new
2
don’t
watch
need
I
a
3
Do
luxury
you
watches?
like
Type 3: Choose the correct option
Select the one closest in meaning:
1
What time is it? Am I late for the bus? How can I check on time?
2
The watch Susan got for her birthday is decorated with diamonds! How can you describe this watch?
3
Collin wants to start running. What device can help him?

Enjoy personalized learning!

“Watch” Word in Other Languages

Let’s see how this term differs in other languages that are commonly used in Europe and are popular among students as well.

Language Word for “Watch”
Flag Spanish Spanish   Reloj
Flag French French   Montre
Flag German German   Armbanduhr

Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Watch”

How many watches are in the largest collection? What is the price of the most expensive watch? Let’s find out the answers.

  • 1,366 watches are collected by Franciscus Hendricus Maria Salari.

    The information from the Guinness World Records states that this human has the largest number of various timepieces.
  • The watch was sold at auction for $33+ million.

    We are talking about the one sold in Geneva in 2019, Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A, which you can Google for more details.
  • Apple Watches are one of the most popular smart devices.

    It covers health conditions, sleeping, daily activity, moving, workouts, and more. Nowadays, people use them to answer calls and messages, but they still have the main function of showing what time it is.

Famous Quotes Featuring “Watch”

The “watch” meaning is clear but hides many variations and authors use it as a metaphor, or a direct device. Here are the most popular phrases from books.

“What a funny watch!’ she remarked. ‘It tells the day of the month, and doesn’t tell what o’clock it is!”

— Lewis Carroll

Explanation: Here, one character speaks to another, wondering about his watch that is not showing what it is supposed to — the actual time.

“And so the problem remained; lots of people were mean, and most were miserable, even the ones with digital watches.”

— Douglas Adams

Explanation: Modern gadgets are meant to make our lives easier, but sometimes, the technologies can do nothing, and it depends on us as humans.

“I don’t think of the tsunami every time I look down and see this watch. I think of the course of my life—the memories I have of my dad, the memories I have of Fernando.”

— Matt Hranek

Explanation: The watch here is the connection between two people, which is strong and important, as this timepiece contains a story to be told.