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
Low-waste is the watchword, with any small amount of kitchen waste eventually becoming nutrient-rich compost.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
But in modern English parlance, mantra has come to mean a person or group’s representative phrase, similar to a slogan or a watchword.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
The key Trimmer watchword is balance.
—David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Sprinkling in some back-end starters and calling it a day doesn’t seem like his MO after a year on the job, so perhaps patience is the watchword here after all.
—Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for watchword
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
But in modern English parlance, mantra has come to mean a person or group’s representative phrase, similar to a slogan or a watchword.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 31 Mar. 2026
The key Trimmer watchword is balance.
—David Brooks, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
Sprinkling in some back-end starters and calling it a day doesn’t seem like his MO after a year on the job, so perhaps patience is the watchword here after all.
—Susan Slusser, San Francisco Chronicle, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for watchword
Cite this Entry
“Watchword.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/watchword. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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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