watchtower

watchtower — noun

1. a tall, narrow building that gives guards, soldiers, or other people a high plac

1.nounB1
Definition

a tall, narrow building that gives guards, soldiers, or other people a high place to watch for danger, such as escaping prisoners, approaching enemies, or fires in a forest

Example

The soldiers climbed the watchtower every morning to check for enemy movement near the border.

simple SVO with purpose clause

From the old wooden watchtower, the forest ranger spotted smoke rising above the valley.

Common collocations
  • man a watchtower
  • stand guard in a watchtower
  • climb a watchtower
  • watchtower overlooking [area]
Synonyms
  • lookout tower

    a more general term that can refer to any high structure used for observation, not only for security

  • guard tower

    strongly suggests a prison setting with armed guards inside

  • sentry tower

    a narrow military term for a tower where a soldier stands watch over a camp or base

Grammar Patterns

the/a + watchtower

in/from + the/a + watchtower

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Watchtower' specifically means a tall structure built for security surveillance — keeping watch over prisoners, borders, or military areas. A 'lookout tower' is a broader term that can also include towers used for spotting forest fires or enjoying scenic views. A 'guard tower' is very similar but strongly implies a prison setting with armed guards inside. 'Observation tower' is the most general term and is often used for tourist attractions or scientific observation — it does not suggest security or danger. 'Sentry tower' is a narrow military term for a tower where a soldier stands watch over a camp or base. For example, a hotel might advertise an 'observation tower' for views of the city, but never a 'watchtower' or 'sentry tower.'

lookout towerguard towerobservation towersentry tower

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • man a watchtower
  • stand watch in a watchtower
  • a watchtower overlooking

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

'Watchtower' is a compound of two Old English words: 'wæcce' (the act of staying awake to guard) and 'torr' (tower). It has been used since medieval times to describe high structures built for defensive surveillance along walls, borders, and coastlines.