1. a guiding principle or motto that expresses the beliefs or aims of a person or group
2. a secret word or phrase used for identification or to gain access
Usage: military; security contexts

Examples

• Quality has always been our company’s watchword.
• Innovation became the watchword of the new administration.
• The soldier whispered the watchword to gain entry to the camp.
• Their watchword was ‘progress through unity.’
• Safety is the watchword in all our operations.
• The guard asked for the watchword before allowing them to pass.
• Efficiency became the watchword of the reform movement.