alsatian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal to Neutral
Quick answer
What does “alsatian” mean?
A breed of large, strong working dog with a wolf-like appearance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of large, strong working dog with a wolf-like appearance.
A person or thing from Alsace, a region in northeastern France. The dog breed is specifically named after this region where it was thought to have originated.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'Alsatian' is the common name for the dog breed. In American English, the breed is almost exclusively called 'German Shepherd Dog' or simply 'German Shepherd'.
Connotations
In the UK, 'Alsatian' carries neutral to slightly formal/technical connotations for the dog. In the US, using 'Alsatian' may sound old-fashioned, British, or be used to avoid the word 'German' post-WWII.
Frequency
In the UK, 'Alsatian' and 'German Shepherd' are both used, with 'Alsatian' being traditional but 'German Shepherd' gaining ground. In the US, 'Alsatian' is very rare.
Grammar
How to Use “alsatian” in a Sentence
We have [an Alsatian].The [Alsatian] barked.[Alsatians] are used for guarding.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alsatian” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not applicable for this noun]
American English
- [Not applicable for this noun]
adverb
British English
- [Not applicable]
American English
- [Not applicable]
adjective
British English
- An Alsatian wine
- Alsatian folklore
American English
- Alsatian history
- An Alsatian museum
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in pet industry or security business contexts.
Academic
Rare, primarily in historical/geographical studies about Alsace.
Everyday
Common when discussing dog breeds, pets, or security.
Technical
Used in veterinary, dog breeding, and kennel club contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “alsatian”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “alsatian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alsatian”
- Incorrect: 'Alsatian Shepherd' (redundant; it's either 'Alsatian' or 'German Shepherd').
- Incorrect: Using 'Alsatian' in American English without clarification, as it may cause confusion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are the same breed of dog. 'Alsatian' is the traditional name used primarily in British English, while 'German Shepherd Dog' is the official breed name and the common term in American English.
It was named after the Alsace region on the French-German border. This name was adopted in Britain after World War I to avoid the direct reference to Germany.
It depends on your audience. Use 'German Shepherd' for an international or American audience. In the UK, both terms are understood, though 'German Shepherd' is becoming more common.
Yes, but it's rare. It can be an adjective meaning 'from Alsace' (e.g., Alsatian cuisine) or a noun for a person from Alsace. The dog meaning is overwhelmingly dominant in modern usage.
A breed of large, strong working dog with a wolf-like appearance.
Alsatian is usually informal to neutral in register.
Alsatian: in British English it is pronounced /ˌælˈseɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌælˈseɪʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated with the word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ALL stay shun' – the large dog made everyone stay away, shunning them. It's from ALSace, a region in France.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOYALTY IS A GUARDIAN (The Alsatian as a metaphor for steadfast protection).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary, contemporary meaning of 'Alsatian' in British English?