surveillance

noun

: close watch kept over someone or something (as by a detective)

Examples of surveillance in a Sentence

government surveillance of suspected terrorists The bank robbery was recorded by surveillance video cameras.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The swift police response and use of video surveillance technology proved crucial in identifying and apprehending the shooter. Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025 Since 2022, the UK government has bought more than $350 million-worth of the company’s AR3 surveillance drones to send to Ukraine. Vasco Cotovio, CNN Money, 21 Sep. 2025 An increase in the use of colonoscopies as a surveillance tool has reduced the incidence of colorectal cancer. New Atlas, 21 Sep. 2025 To wander without intent, without surveillance, without the anticipation of acquisition and without expectation that the walk might benefit anything other than our freedom of spirit. Paul Greenberg, Time, 20 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for surveillance

Word History

Etymology

French, from surveiller to watch over, from sur- + veiller to watch, from Old French veillier, from Latin vigilare, from vigil watchful — more at vigil

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surveillance was in 1802

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Surveillance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surveillance. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

surveillance

noun
sur·​veil·​lance sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s How to pronounce surveillance (audio)
 also  -ˈvāl-yən(t)s,
 or  -ˈvā-ən(t)s
: close watch
under surveillance

Medical Definition

surveillance

noun
sur·​veil·​lance
sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s also -ˈvāl-yən(t)s or -ˈvā-ən(t)s
: close and continuous observation or testing
serological surveillance
see immune surveillance

More from Merriam-Webster on surveillance

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!