watchword

watchword
[[t]wɒ̱tʃwɜː(r)d[/t]]
watchwords
N-COUNT: oft with poss
Someone's watchword is a word or phrase that sums up their attitude or approach to a particular subject or to things in general.

Caution has been one of Mr Allan's watchwords...

You don't have to deny yourself everything that's nice when you're pregnant. Moderation is the watchword.


English dictionary. 2008.

Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную?
Synonyms:

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Watchword — Watch word , n. 1. A word given to sentinels, and to such as have occasion to visit the guards, used as a signal by which a friend is known from an enemy, or a person who has a right to pass the watch from one who has not; a countersign; a… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • watchword — index catchword, indicant, phrase Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • watchword — (n.) also watch word, c.1400, password, from WATCH (Cf. watch) (n.) in the military sense of period of standing guard duty + WORD (Cf. word) (n.). In the sense of motto, slogan it dates from 1738 …   Etymology dictionary

  • watchword — ► NOUN 1) a word or phrase expressing a core aim or belief. 2) archaic a military password …   English terms dictionary

  • watchword — [wächwʉrd΄, wôchwʉrd΄] n. 1. a password, or countersign 2. a word or phrase embodying a principle or precept, esp. one used as the slogan or cry of a group or party …   English World dictionary

  • watchword — UK [ˈwɒtʃˌwɜː(r)d] / US [ˈwɑtʃˌwɜrd] noun [countable] Word forms watchword : singular watchword plural watchwords a word or phrase that expresses someone s attitude or intention Quality is our watchword …   English dictionary

  • watchword — noun Date: 15th century 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… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • watchword — /woch werrd /, n. 1. a word or short phrase to be communicated, on challenge, to a sentinel or guard; password or countersign. 2. a word or phrase expressive of a principle or rule of action; slogan: Conservation has been our watchword. 3. a… …   Universalium

  • watchword — watch|word [ˈwɔtʃwə:d US ˈwa:tʃwə:rd, ˈwo:tʃ ] n [singular] a word or phrase that expresses an attitude or belief ▪ Environmental quality will be the watchword for the 21st century …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • watchword — watch|word [ watʃ,wɜrd ] noun count a word or phrase that expresses someone s attitude or intention: Quality is our watchword …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

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