Usage Note
Sentinelle is always feminine even when the guard is male — le soldat est en sentinelle (the soldier is on sentry duty). The expression être de sentinelle means to be on guard duty. In figurative language it can describe anything or anyone standing watchfully at a post.
Examples
"La sentinelle veillait à l'entrée du camp."
Natural Translation
The sentry kept watch at the entrance to the camp.

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