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 soldier was sentry duty for the night, watching over the perimeter of the camp. [sentry: adjective]
watchman
Example
The watchman patrolled the factory grounds, making sure everything was secure. [watchman: noun]
Example
The security company hired a watchman to keep an eye on the construction site overnight. [watchman: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Watchman is more commonly used than sentry in everyday language. Watchman is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sentry is less common and is mostly used in military contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sentry and watchman?
Sentry is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, while watchman is more casual and informal, making it suitable for use in both formal and informal contexts.
