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Meaning & use

watching

verb, noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈwɒtʃɪŋ/
US/ˈwɑːtʃɪŋ/

“watching” is a form of “watch”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. verbtransitive or intransitive

    Present participle of watch: looking at something for a time, especially something that moves or changes, such as a screen or an event.

    Grammar: Used after be for continuous tenses: I am watching the match.

    Patterns

    • be watching something
    • be watching someone do something

    We are watching a film tonight.

    She was watching the children play in the yard.

    I'm watching the clock because my train leaves soon.

  2. verbtransitive

    Paying close attention to someone or something to protect it, check it or stay careful about it.

    Grammar: Takes an object: watching your step, watching the baby.

    Patterns

    • watching out for something
    • watching your weight

    He is watching the soup so it doesn't boil over.

    Thanks for watching my bag while I bought a coffee.

    They're watching the weather before deciding to sail.

  3. noununcountable

    The act of looking at something, especially for entertainment or to observe it.

    Grammar: Often used as a gerund subject: Watching sport is relaxing.

    Patterns

    • watching something is fun

    Watching birds is a quiet hobby.

    Too much watching of TV can make you tired.

    The watching of the sunrise became their morning habit.

Common combinations

watching television
They spent the evening watching television.
watching the clock
He kept watching the clock during the lecture.
watching your step
She walked slowly, watching her step on the ice.
watching the news
My father is watching the news.
bird watching
Bird watching starts at dawn.

Synonyms and how they differ

looking at
Looking at can be a quick glance, while watching suggests following something over time.
observing
Observing sounds more formal and careful, as a scientist might do.
viewing
Viewing is more formal and common for exhibitions or properties.
monitoring
Monitoring suggests checking something regularly, often with equipment.

Opposites

ignoring

Word family

watch verb
to look at with attention
watcher noun
a person who watches
watchful adjective
alert and careful
watchdog noun
an organization or person that checks others

Commonly confused: watching or seeing?

watching vs seeing

Seeing happens without effort, while watching is deliberate and usually follows movement.

Practice

Choose the correct spelling and form: They are ___ a documentary.

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