sentry

noun

sen·​try ˈsen-trē 

plural sentries

: guard, watch

especially : a soldier standing guard at a point of passage (such as a gate)

Synonyms

• custodian
• guard
• guardian
• keeper
• lookout
• minder
• picket
• sentinel
• warden
• warder
• watch
• watcher
• watchman

Examples of sentry in a Sentence

The general placed an armed sentry at the bridge.

a sentry posted to watch for intruders

Recent Examples on the Web

Perfectly conical volcanic peaks, dusted in snow, rise like sentries across the horizon. —Mark Johanson, Robb Report, 30 Nov. 2024

Three-story red brick buildings stand like sentries and slides and swings adorned the front yards of nearby homes. —Ignacio Calderon, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

Paramount has the usual range of lollipop trees and box spirals, which stand like sentries at front doors in London’s more expensive neighborhoods. —Sophie Elmhirst, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024

Here, in one of the more isolated places on earth, China’s security cameras keep watch alongside armed sentries in guard towers. —New York Times, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from obsolete sentry sanctuary, watchtower

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing sentry

• sentry box
• stand sentry

Kids Definition

sentry

noun

sen·​try ˈsen-trē 

plural sentries

: guard entry 1 sense 3a

especially : a soldier standing guard at a point of passage