WordGarden.iomonitor
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈɒnɪtə/
US
- /ˈmɑnətər/
Meanings
Noun
an electronic screen for a computer or other device
a device that measures, tracks, or warns about changing conditions
a person who supervises, observes, or keeps order
More meaningsFewer meanings
a large tropical lizard
Verb
to watch or check something over time in order to track it or notice problems
Beyond the definition
A monitor is not just a screen. It can also be a person or a device that watches something carefully. As a verb, it means to check something regularly, like a doctor monitoring a patient's health. Think of a heart rate monitor in a hospital, always tracking vital signs.
The word comes from the Latin monere, meaning "to warn." Long ago, it could mean a person who gave advice or warnings. Today, we use it for computer screens, devices that track information, and the act of watching something over time. We talk about monitoring pollution levels, patient health, or what is happening on a screen. In every case, the idea is the same: careful attention over time.
To monitor means to observe, check, or keep under regular review so that changes can be noticed over time. It suggests ongoing attention rather than a quick look, and it is often used when someone wants to make sure that things are working properly or staying within safe or expected limits. For example, "The scientists monitored the volcano's activity" means they watched its changes carefully over a period of time.
Monitoring can be done by people, like a teacher monitoring students during an exam, or by machines, such as a security system monitoring a building. It is also common in healthcare: doctors monitor patients for signs of improvement. In environmental science, researchers monitor pollution levels in a river, the air, or the soil. In business or technology, people monitor sales, computer systems, or online activity to spot problems early.
The word "monitor" has also been used as a noun for a person or thing that keeps watch. Its older meaning referred to someone who advised, warned, or reminded others, which fits its Latin root monere, meaning "to warn." Over time, the word became common for devices that observe or show information.
Today, we also use "monitor" as a noun for a display screen, especially a computer screen, that lets us see what a system or device is showing. We can also use it for equipment such as a heart monitor, which measures and displays information. So, whether it means watching a patient, tracking changes in nature, checking a system, or looking at a screen, "monitor" is connected to careful observation and regular checking.
Examples
- 1
Computer display
I added a second monitor so I could keep my email open while I worked.
- 2
Medical equipment
The nurse glanced at the heart monitor every few minutes.
- 3
Attendance tracking
Teachers use the system to monitor attendance each morning.
- 4
Sales tracking
We need to monitor sales closely after the price change.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Medical observation
Doctors will monitor him for signs of infection.
- Patternmonitor someone for signs of + problem
watch carefully to see whether it appears
- 6
Security surveillance
Security staff monitor the building overnight with cameras.
- 7
Screen time
The app lets parents monitor their children's screen time.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- monitor progress
- monitor performance
- monitor the situation
- closely monitor
Word family
Explore
- surveillance
- quality control
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- monitornounverb
Forms
- monitoring-ing formverbnoun
- monitorspluralnounverb
- monitoredpast tenseverbnoun