watchword
noun
watch·word
ˈwäch-ˌwərd 
ˈwȯch-
1
: a word or phrase used as a sign of recognition among members of the same society, class, or group
2
a
: a word or motto that embodies a principle or guide to action of an individual or group : slogan
"safety" is our watchword
b
: a guiding principle
change is the watchword for both parties
Examples of watchword in a Sentence
The new watchword in his campaign is “It's time for change.”
the watchword is changed every day
Recent Examples on the Web
Now that it’s done, with relatively few on the left genuinely shocked by Trump’s win, accommodation and acceptance are the new watchwords.
—
Ross Barkan, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Growth is the watchword as the filmmakers also weave in stories (well, folktales) from Norwegian traditions concerned with the Norns, a trio of Norse deities believed to be responsible for the shaping of human destiny and tasked with caring for Yggdrasill, the tree at the center of everything.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
Opulent is the watchword here, as the skyscrapers will host just one large and light-filled residence each per floor.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025
Heritage and good-quality produce are also the watchwords of Locanda Contadina, a small bistro that debuted in September in the heart of the centro storico.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024
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Ross Barkan, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Growth is the watchword as the filmmakers also weave in stories (well, folktales) from Norwegian traditions concerned with the Norns, a trio of Norse deities believed to be responsible for the shaping of human destiny and tasked with caring for Yggdrasill, the tree at the center of everything.
—Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2025
Opulent is the watchword here, as the skyscrapers will host just one large and light-filled residence each per floor.
—Adam Williams, New Atlas, 2 Jan. 2025
Heritage and good-quality produce are also the watchwords of Locanda Contadina, a small bistro that debuted in September in the heart of the centro storico.
—Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for watchword
Dictionary Entries Near watchword
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watchword. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
watchword
noun
watch·word
-ˌwərd
1
: a secret word used as a signal or password
2
: a motto used as a slogan or cry for common support
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