sentry: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Technical (Military/Security), Literary
Quick answer
What does “sentry” mean?
A soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch for danger or unauthorized activity.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch for danger or unauthorized activity.
Any person, device, or system that maintains a watchful, protective presence over a place or system, or a state of being on guard.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term in identical military and security contexts.
Connotations
Strongly associated with formal duty, tradition, and vigilance in both cultures.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties within relevant contexts (military, historical, security).
Grammar
How to Use “sentry” in a Sentence
[Sentry] + [verb] + [location] (The sentry guarded the gate.)[Subject] + post/place + [sentry] (They posted a sentry.)[Sentry] + on + duty/guard (The sentry on duty raised the alarm.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sentry” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The old castle walls were sentried by volunteers during the historical reenactment.
American English
- To secure the perimeter, we will need to sentry the main access points.
adjective
British English
- He was assigned to sentry duty for the night shift.
American English
- The sentry post was equipped with a thermal camera.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might be used metaphorically for monitoring systems (e.g., 'The software acts as a digital sentry').
Academic
Used in historical, military, and political science texts discussing security and guard duties.
Everyday
Uncommon; understood but typically replaced by 'guard' or 'security' in non-specialist talk.
Technical
Common in military, security, and IT jargon (e.g., 'sentry gun', 'sentry process' in computing).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sentry”
- Using 'sentry' to mean a patrolling guard (it implies a fixed post).
- Misspelling as 'centry' (confusion with 'centre/center').
- Using it as a common synonym for any security personnel in casual speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'sentry' specifically refers to a guard stationed at a fixed point to keep watch. A 'guard' is a broader term that can include sentries but also patrols, bodyguards, or security officers with mobile duties.
Yes, metaphorically. For example, in computing, a 'sentry process' monitors system health. A 'sentry goose' is a goose that warns a flock of danger.
It is a traditional term still actively used in modern military and security contexts. It can sound formal or literary in everyday conversation.
A small, often wooden, shelter for a sentry to stand in, providing some protection from the weather while on duty.
A soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch for danger or unauthorized activity.
Sentry is usually formal, technical (military/security), literary in register.
Sentry: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “stand sentry”
- “keep sentry”
- “sentry go (historical naval term)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a soldier SENT to TRY and protect something. A SENTRY is SENT to TRY and keep watch.
Conceptual Metaphor
VIGILANCE IS A STATIONARY GUARD; PROTECTION IS A WATCHFUL PRESENCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'sentry' LEAST likely to be used?