sentinel: meaning, pronunciation and examples

/ˈsɛntɪnəl/·SEN-tih-nul

Sentinel (noun) means a soldier or guard whose job is to watch for danger.

What does “sentinel” mean?

  1. 1

    nouna soldier or guard whose job is to watch for danger

    A sentinel stood at each gate of the fortress.
  2. 2

    nounsomething that seems to stand guard or warn of danger

    Two old oaks stood like sentinels at the entrance.

Sentinel at a glance

Part of speech
noun
CEFR level
C2 (proficient)
Pronunciation
/ˈsɛntɪnəl/ · SEN-tih-nul

How to use “sentinel” correctly

Literary. In everyday military language, “sentry” is more common.

Common phrases with “sentinel”

  • stand sentinel
  • keep sentinel

Synonyms (similar meaning)

  • guard
  • sentry
  • lookout

“sentinel” is on these word lists

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