dog
a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
How often you will meet it
Rank 758 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 24,778 times across 155,370 chapters — 0.012% of every word in the library.
It belongs to the first 1,000 words, the band worth learning before any other.
What it means
noun
- a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds also: domestic dog, Canis familiaris the dog barked all night
- a dull unattractive unpleasant girl or woman also: frump she got a reputation as a frumpshe's a real dog
- informal term for a man you lucky dog
- someone who is morally reprehensible also: cad, bounder, blackguard, hound, heel you dirty dog
- a smooth-textured sausage of minced beef or pork usually smoked; often served on a bread roll also: frank, frankfurter, hotdog, hot dog, wiener, wienerwurst
- a hinged catch that fits into a notch of a ratchet to move a wheel forward or prevent it from moving backward also: pawl, detent, click
verb
- go after with the intent to catch also: chase, chase after, trail, tail, tag, give chase The policeman chased the mugger down the alleythe dog chased the rabbit
dog in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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It was a small dog, apparently in the last agony of death from thirst.
Famous Stories Every Child Should Know · Hamilton Wright [Editor] Mabie · Chapter 1
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In the afternoon, Odysseus (still disguised) and Eumaeus reach the city, the dog Argos recognises the hero, and dies.
The Odyssey of Homer · 751? BCE-651? BCE Homer · Chapter 1
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Augustinus is in despair for the sin he has committed in turning to look after a dog who was running.
The Dream · Émile Zola · Chapter 1
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When a poor dog, carried away by the current, is drowning, men of heart cast stones at him from the bank.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1
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Went out with my gun and dog, shot a wild cat with a soft skin, but her flesh was good for nothing.
The Life and Most Surprising Adventures · Daniel Defoe · Chapter 1