surveillance

noun

sur·​veil·​lance sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s How to pronounce surveillance (audio)
also
-ˈvāl-yən(t)s How to pronounce surveillance (audio)
or
-ˈvā-ən(t)s How to pronounce surveillance (audio)
Synonyms of surveillance
: close watch kept over someone or something (as by a detective)
also : supervision see also immune surveillance

Synonyms of surveillance

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Examples of surveillance in a Sentence

government surveillance of suspected terrorists The bank robbery was recorded by surveillance video cameras.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The archaeological museum has no video surveillance system but had planned to install one. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 6 July 2026 Investigators said surveillance footage showed Watson striking the man with a weightlifting belt during the confrontation. — Brittany Miller, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 Better detection and rising clinician awareness probably explain much of the jump, though surveillance data alone cannot rule out changes in incidence or exposure. — John Drake, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 Goetz argued the surveillance footage and witness descriptions did not identify the shooter and that prosecutors relied on speculation instead of proof. — Tyler Quattrin, Twin Cities, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for surveillance

Word History

Etymology

French, from surveiller to watch over, from sur- + veiller to watch, from Old French veillier, from Latin vigilare, from vigil watchful — more at vigil

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of surveillance was in 1802

Phrases Containing surveillance

Browse Nearby Words

surveil
surveillance
surveillant
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Surveillance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surveillance. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

surveillance

noun
sur·​veil·​lance sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s How to pronounce surveillance (audio)
also -ˈvāl-yən(t)s
or -ˈvā-ən(t)s
: close watch
under surveillance

Medical Definition

surveillance

noun
sur·​veil·​lance
sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s also -ˈvāl-yən(t)s or -ˈvā-ən(t)s
: close and continuous observation or testing
serological surveillance
see immune surveillance

More from Merriam-Webster on surveillance

Nglish: Translation of surveillance for Spanish Speakers

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