beagle
B2Neutral. More common in descriptive (breed-specific) and informal/hunting contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A small to medium-sized breed of dog, used especially for hunting hares, known for its short legs, drooping ears, and keen sense of smell.
In modern contexts, it can also refer to a person who persistently investigates or searches, especially as a detective. It is also the name of a type of spy satellite (KH-11 Beagle).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning is zoological/breed-specific. Its metaphorical extension to a 'detective' is dated but occasionally found in literary contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic difference. The breed standard is internationally recognized. The term is associated with traditional English hunting.
Connotations
UK: Strong historical association with countryside, gentry, and traditional hare hunting (now illegal with hounds). US: Often connotes a family pet or a cheerful, inquisitive dog breed.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties, with slightly higher cultural salience in the UK due to historical hunting associations.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the [ADJ] beaglebeagle [V-ing] (e.g., beagle hunting)beagle named [NAME]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in biological/zoological texts discussing dog breeds or genetics.
Everyday
Common when discussing pets, dog breeds, or animal rescue.
Technical
Used in kennel club standards, veterinary medicine, and breeding.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He would often beagle around the moors with his dogs.
- The children were beagling through the undergrowth for lost treasure.
American English
- The detective beagled his way through the evidence.
- She spent the afternoon beagling for clues in the attic.
adjective
British English
- He had a beagle-like tenacity when on the scent of a story.
- The beagle instincts were strong in the young pup.
American English
- Her beagle curiosity got her into trouble.
- The software has a beagle feature that sniffs out duplicate files.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a small beagle named Max.
- Beagles are very friendly dogs.
- The beagle followed the scent through the garden.
- We are thinking of adopting a beagle from the rescue centre.
- Traditionally, a pack of beagles was used to hunt hares across the English countryside.
- Her investigative style was beagle-like in its persistence.
- The legislation effectively put an end to the ancient sport of beagling.
- The satellite, nicknamed 'Beagle', was tasked with high-resolution reconnaissance.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A beagle BEGS with its big eyes and is EAGLE-eyed when it sniffs out a trail.
Conceptual Metaphor
INVESTIGATION/SEARCHING IS HUNTING (e.g., 'The reporter was a beagle for the truth').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'бигль' (correct transliteration). The word is not related to the Russian 'бигус' (a type of stew).
Common Mistakes
- Spelling: 'beagel', 'begle'. Pronunciation: /biːˈɡeɪl/ (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In a metaphorical sense, what might a 'beagle' refer to?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are generally known for being friendly, curious, and good with children, but they require plenty of exercise and can be vocal.
Beagling is the hunting of hares, rabbits, or other game on foot using a pack of beagles. It is now banned in the UK for hunting mammals with dogs.
Yes, though it's rare and informal. It means to search or investigate persistently, like a beagle on a scent.
Snoopy, from the 'Peanuts' comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, is an internationally recognised beagle character.
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