watchword

UK: /ˈwɒtʃwɜː^rd/ US: /ˈwɑtʃˌwɝd/ ,(woch′wûrd′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

watch•word /ˈwɑtʃˌwɜrd/   n. [countable]

1. password.
2. a slogan or cry used to create enthusiasm among the followers of a group.
3. a word or phrase that expresses a principle or rule that is important to a group.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

watch•word  (woch′wûrd′), n. 

1. a word or short phrase to be communicated, on challenge, to a sentinel or guard;
   password or countersign.
2. a word or phrase expressive of a principle or rule of action;
   slogan:
   Conservation has been our watchword.
3. a rallying cry of a party, club, team, etc.

• 1350–1400; Middle English; see watch, word

Synonyms

• 1, 2. . shibboleth.
• 3. . motto.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

watchword / ˈwɒtʃˌwɜːd/ noun

1. another word for password