So summer’s sentinel, the cuckoo, sings / In his murmuring voice, and our hearts mourn / As he

urges. (“The Seafarer")
sentinel meaning

In this context, "sentinel" refers to the cuckoo bird, which is sometimes called the "summer's sentinel." A sentinel is a guard or watcher who is responsible for protecting or monitoring something. By referring to the cuckoo as a sentinel, the poet is emphasizing its role as a herald of summer, announcing its arrival and watching over the changing season.

In the context of the line "So summer’s sentinel, the cuckoo, sings," the word "sentinel" refers to a guardian or watchman. It suggests that the cuckoo bird is seen as a guardian or symbol of summer. The cuckoo's singing serves as a signal or reminder that summer has arrived. The use of the word "sentinel" also conveys a sense of protection and vigilance associated with the season of summer.

The word "sentinel" in the context of the poem "The Seafarer" refers to the summertime bird, the cuckoo. However, in general, the term "sentinel" typically refers to a person or thing that serves as a guard or lookout, often placed to protect or watch over something. To understand the meaning of a word like "sentinel," you can use various resources, such as a dictionary or an online search engine.