Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific period of duty on a ship during the night: The "middle watch" is a traditional nautical term for the watch kept from midnight until 4 a.m. or 8 a.m., depending on the specific watch system in use. It is the period of night watch duty that falls in the middle of the night.

Usage

• The term is primarily used in a maritime or historical context to describe a ship's watch schedule.
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The sailor was assigned the middle watch and had to be on deck from midnight until four.
  • Standing the middle watch on a calm, starry night can be a peaceful experience.

Advanced Usage

• "to stand the middle watch": To be on duty for the middle watch.
  • The new cadet was nervous about standing the middle watch for the first time.

Variants and Related Words

• Midwatch (n): A synonym for "middle watch," often used in modern naval contexts.
  • He drew the midwatch and spent the quiet hours monitoring the radar.

Synonyms

• Graveyard watch: A colloquial term emphasizing the late, quiet hours.
• Night watch: A more general term for any watch kept during the night.

Related Phrases

• Dog watch: Either of two short watches (4-6 p.m. or 6-8 p.m.), which contrast with the longer middle watch.
• Morning watch: The watch following the middle watch, typically from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Noun

1. a watch during the night (as from midnight to 8 a.m.)