Definition

Noun: A person whose job is to watch carefully for something, especially for danger or for someone's arrival, and to warn others.

Usage

This term specifically refers to a person assigned to a watching duty. It is often used in contexts involving security, surveillance, or anticipation of an event.

Examples

• The gang posted a lookout man at the corner to warn them if the police approached.
• During the night shift, the lookout man on the ship scanned the horizon for other vessels.
• The security team employed a lookout man to monitor the perimeter of the construction site.

Advanced Usage

• To be on the lookout: This common phrase means to be watchful or vigilant for something. While it uses "lookout," it is a set phrase and not a direct use of the compound noun "lookout man."
  • The hikers were on the lookout for bears.

Variants and Related Words

• Lookout (noun): This is the more common, shorter form that can mean either the act of watching, the place from which one watches, or the person who watches. "Lookout man" specifies the person.
  • He served as the lookout for the group.
• Watchman (noun): A person employed to guard a building or area, often at night.
• Sentry (noun): A soldier stationed to keep guard or to control access to a place.

Synonyms

• Sentinel
• Watch
• Guard
• Scout (when referring to watching for information)

Related Phrases

• Keep a lookout: To maintain a watch.
  • Can you keep a lookout while I check the map?
• Lookout point/post/station: The place from which one keeps watch.

Noun

1. a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event