Monitor has 12 different meanings across 3 categories:
Noun · Verb · Proper Noun
someone who gives a warning so that a mistake can be avoided
"Please let me know if you see any errors in my code before I submit it, as your feedback will help me avoid making the same mistakes later."
an ironclad vessel built by Federal forces to do battle with the Merrimac
"The Union fleet deployed a monitor specifically designed to counter the Confederate warship Merrimac during the Civil War."
display produced by a device that takes signals and displays them on a television screen or a computer monitor
"The flickering image on my old CRT monitor convinced me it was finally time to upgrade."
electronic equipment that is used to check the quality or content of electronic transmissions
"The technician adjusted the monitor to ensure every pixel displayed correctly before launching the new software update."
a piece of electronic equipment that keeps track of the operation of a system continuously and warns of trouble
"The server room is filled with monitors that constantly watch for overheating fans or failing hard drives."
any of various large tropical carnivorous lizards of Africa and Asia and Australia; fabled to warn of crocodiles
"The local guide warned us not to walk near the riverbank, as that area is home to a monitor lizard known for snapping up anything it mistakes for prey."
Someone who watches over something; a person in charge of something or someone.
"As the new project monitor, Sarah will oversee the team's daily progress and ensure everyone meets their deadlines."
In plain English: A monitor is a screen that you look at to see what is happening on your computer or phone.
"He kept a close monitor on the baby in the next room."
Usage: A monitor is a person assigned to watch over a situation or group and report on their progress. Use this term for supervisors or officials who observe activities rather than directly managing them.
check, track, or observe by means of a receiver
"The security guard used his handheld radio to monitor the live feed from the front entrance during the storm."
To watch over; to guard.
"The nurse stood by the patient's bed to monitor him while he slept after his surgery."
In plain English: To monitor something means to keep an eye on it to see how it's going.
"Please monitor your expenses carefully so you stay within budget."
Usage: Use monitor when you are keeping close watch on someone or something to ensure safety or compliance, such as monitoring a child's behavior or system performance. It implies active observation rather than just passive looking.
Any of several publications e.g. the "Christian Science Monitor".
"She subscribed to the Christian Science Monitor for its thoughtful coverage of international affairs."
The word "monitor" comes from the Latin monitor, meaning "warner," and originally referred to someone who gives warnings or reminders. The specific naval sense was introduced into English by the name of the USS Monitor, which was the first ironclad warship of its kind.