What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sentry
Example
The sentry stood guard at the entrance to the military base. [sentry: noun]
Example
The soldiers took turns being on sentry duty throughout the night. [sentry: adjective]
lookout
Example
The lookout spotted the approaching enemy ships and alerted the crew. [lookout: noun]
Example
The hikers took turns being on lookout for bears while they set up camp. [lookout: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lookout is more commonly used than sentry in everyday language. Lookout is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sentry is less common and is primarily used in military contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sentry and lookout?
Sentry is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while lookout can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
