- Definition
- Definition
- Synonyms
- Example Sentences
- Word History
- Phrases Containing
- Related Articles
- Entries Near
-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
surveillance
noun
sur·veil·lance
sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s
also
-ˈvāl-yən(t)s
or
-ˈvā-ən(t)s
: close watch kept over someone or something (as by a detective)
also
: supervision see also immune surveillance
Synonyms
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
The defense also took issue with the surveillance footage in the parking lot that the prosecutors claimed to see Baker getting into Monica's truck.
—Gabriella Demirdjian, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2024
Identification of a suspect’s vehicle, a review of surveillance camera footage and forensic analysis of the crime scene led investigators to the suspects, Brown said.
—Dalia Faheid, CNN, 10 Mar. 2024
The post included surveillance from the area that included a view of males driving away from the area after the shooting.
—Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024
Boyd’s Equinox was captured by surveillance footage and license plate readers near where Manning’s body was found, the news outlet reported.
—Jennifer Rodriguez, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2024
Most modern home security systems rely on a Wi-Fi signal for burglar alarms and surveillance equipment, including doorbell cameras.
—Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2024
More concerning to the EFF specifically is how Proposition E allows for a certain level of secrecy around surveillance technologies trialed by SFPD, for as long as a year without being disclosed, Hussain says.
—Lauren Goode, WIRED, 6 Mar. 2024
The surveillance footage obtained by the Journal Sentinel from a nearby property owner does not appear to show a fall.
—Sarah Volpenhein, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024
The police have received new funding, including for better surveillance equipment, but the profit motive for thieves — as much as 20,000 Canadian dollars, or $14,800 per car — has, so far, made the problem intractable.
—Vjosa Isai, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'surveillance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing surveillance
Dictionary Entries Near surveillance
Cite this Entry
“Surveillance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/surveillance. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.
Kids Definition
surveillance
noun
sur·veil·lance
sər-ˈvā-lən(t)s
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
Britannica English: Translation of surveillance for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share