watchfulwaiting
nounUK /ˈwɒtʃfəl ˈweɪtɪŋ/
US /ˈwɑːtʃfəl ˈweɪtɪŋ/
Watching something carefully and waiting for it to happen.
The cat sat in watchful waiting by the mouse hole.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A medical plan to check a health problem often instead of treating it right away.
The doctor chose watchful waiting for the small lump.
3. The act of staying alert and ready while time passes.
Her watchful waiting paid off when the bus finally came.
4. A careful, patient way of guarding something.
The shepherd's watchful waiting kept the flock safe all night.