What does watchout mean?
Watchout is an informal English word for a warning about danger, difficulty, or another circumstance that deserves immediate attention. As a noun, it names the warning itself, as in “The driver gave a watchout about the road closure.” As an interjection, it alerts people directly: “Watchout! Something has fallen into the aisle.” The expression is especially associated with spoken American English, while British speakers generally understand it but more often use the two-word form watch out. In writing, watchout commonly appears as a noun or after a verb such as give, issue, or offer. Its informal tone makes it suitable for immediate warnings and casual speech, but it is less appropriate in formal notices or official announcements. Although commonly treated as a single word, it remains closely related to the familiar imperative phrase watch out.
An informal warning about danger, difficulty, or a situation requiring caution.
"The sudden change in the weather was a watchout for hikers planning to cross the ridge."
Common in informal speech and informal writing; the two-word form watch out is often preferred for the imperative warning.
An urgent expression used to warn someone of immediate danger or a problem.
"Watchout! The sign is about to fall."
This use is informal. It is usually written as the two-word phrase watch out!, though the one-word spelling is also used.
The regular plural is possible but uncommon in everyday usage; separate warnings are often expressed through other nouns.
"The guide offered several watchouts about the changing weather."
Spelled as one word, watchout usually names the warning; written as two words, watch out usually delivers it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of watchout
Watchout was formed in English by combining the verb watch with the particle out in the imperative phrase watch out, meaning roughly “look outward” or “be alert.” The phrase developed into a noun meaning a warning and was subsequently written as the closed compound watchout, while the open form remained common in its original imperative use. Both elements are of Old English origin: watch is related to Old English wæċan, and out comes from Old English ūt. The compound is an English formation rather than a loanword and parallels related compounds such as lookout.
Related word forms
How watchout is actually used
This word is informal and chiefly associated with spoken American English, although it is understood in British English too. The two-word form watch out is more usual as an imperative warning; the one-word watchout is especially common when the warning is treated as a noun. Dictionaries may transcribe the interjection with greater emphasis on out than the noun-like pronunciation.
Easily confused with watchout
A watchout is a warning about a possible danger, whereas a lookout is a person or place from which danger can be observed.