First Known Use: 1546
Dictionary
1monitor
noun mon·i·tor \ˈmä-nə-tər\
Definition of MONITOR
1
a : a student appointed to assist a teacher b : one that warns or instructs c : one that monitors or is used in monitoring: as (1) : a cathode-ray tube used for display (as of television pictures or computer information) (2) : a device for observing a biological condition or function
2
3
[Monitor, first ship of the type] a : a heavily armored warship formerly used in coastal operations having a very low freeboard and one or more revolving gun turrets b : a small modern warship with shallow draft for coastal bombardment
4
: a raised central portion of a roof having low windows or louvers for providing light and air
— mon·i·to·ri·al \ˌmä-nə-ˈtȯr-ē-əl\ adjective
— mon·i·tor·ship \ˈmä-nə-tər-ˌship\ noun
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Origin of MONITOR
Latin, one that warns, overseer, from monēre to warn — more at mind
2monitor
verb
: to watch, observe, listen to, or check (something) for a special purpose over a period of time
mon·i·toredmon·i·tor·ing \ˈmä-nə-t(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of MONITOR
transitive verb
: to watch, keep track of, or check usually for a special purpose
See monitor defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of MONITOR
1924
MONITOR Defined for Kids
1monitor
noun mon·i·tor \ˈmä-nə-tər\
Definition of MONITOR for Kids
1
: a video screen used for display (as of television pictures or computer information)
2
: a student in a school picked for a special duty (as keeping order)
3
: a person or thing that watches or checks something <a heart monitor>
2monitor
verb
mon·i·toredmon·i·tor·ing
Definition of MONITOR for Kids
: to watch or check for a special reason <Nurses monitored the patient's heart rate.>
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