# watchword

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈwɒt͡ʃwɜː(ɹ)d/ · frequency rank #74,644

## Definitions
1. A word used as a motto, as expressive of a principle, belief, or rule of action; a rallying cry.
2. A prearranged reply to the challenge of a sentry or a guard; a password or signal by which friends can be known from enemies.

## Etymology
From Middle English wacche word, wacchworde, morphologically as watch (“guard, sentinel, sentry”) + word.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/watchword