watchword
pronunciation
How to pronounce watchword in British English:
UK [ˈwɒtʃwɜ:d]
How to pronounce watchword in American English:
US [ˈwɑtʃwɜrd]
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- Noun:
- a slogan used to rally support for a cause
- a secret word or phrase known only to a restricted group
Word Origin
- watchword (n.)
- also watch-word, c. 1400, "password," from watch (n.) in the military sense of "period of standing guard duty" + word (n.). In the sense of "motto, slogan" it dates from 1738.
Example
- 1. Discipline is the watchword of great performers .
- 2. Thus one watchword in brussels is " no more cyprus " .
- 3. But stability remains the party 's watchword .
- 4. The watchword of the romney campaign and presidency should be enlightened nationalism .
- 5. Fortress israel , it appears , will have to be his watchword .