What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sentinel
Example
The sentinel kept watch over the castle gates all night. [sentinel: noun]
Example
The soldiers were sentineling the border to prevent any unauthorized entry. [sentineling: present participle]
lookout
Example
The lookout spotted the approaching storm and alerted the crew. [lookout: noun]
Example
The firefighters climbed to the top of the building to get a better lookout. [lookout: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lookout is more commonly used than sentinel in everyday language. Lookout is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sentinel is less common and is primarily used in military and security contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sentinel and lookout?
Sentinel has a more formal and serious connotation than lookout, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
