bearded collie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Specialized / Neutral
Quick answer
What does “bearded collie” mean?
A breed of medium-to-large, long-haired working dog originally from Scotland.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of medium-to-large, long-haired working dog originally from Scotland.
The term can also refer metonymically to owners or enthusiasts of the breed, or used descriptively in contexts involving grooming, dog shows, or pastoral activities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in form and reference in both varieties. The breed is more historically established and slightly better known in the UK due to its origins.
Connotations
Connotes Scottish heritage, pastoral work, and a friendly, shaggy appearance in both varieties. In the US, may carry a slight connotation of being a less common, specialist breed.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to geographic and historical proximity to the breed's origin. It is a low-frequency term in general discourse in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “bearded collie” in a Sentence
own a bearded colliegroom the bearded colliethe bearded collie herda bearded collie puppyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bearded collie” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farmer used to bearded collie his flock on the Highlands.
American English
- They bearded-collied the sheep through the mountain pass.
adverb
British English
- [Extremely rare / Non-standard]
American English
- [Extremely rare / Non-standard]
adjective
British English
- She has a lovely bearded-collie pup.
American English
- He admired the bearded-collie temperament.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of pet industry, breeding, veterinary services, or dog show commerce.
Academic
Appears in zoology, canine genetics, or animal husbandry studies.
Everyday
Used by dog owners, enthusiasts, in casual conversation about pets, or when describing a seen dog.
Technical
Used in kennel club standards, veterinary diagnostics, and professional dog judging.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bearded collie”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bearded collie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bearded collie”
- Misspelling as 'bearded colli' or 'beared collie'.
- Using it as a common noun without capitalization (it is a proper noun referring to a specific breed).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as it is the proper name of a specific dog breed, both words are typically capitalised: Bearded Collie.
The Bearded Collie is generally smaller, has a more shaggy, untrimmed coat that covers its eyes and forms a 'beard,' and has a different head shape and temperament.
Yes, they are known for being energetic, playful, and good with children, but they require substantial daily exercise and regular grooming due to their long coat.
It comes from the long, distinctive hair that grows on the dog's chin and lower jaw, giving the appearance of a human beard.
A breed of medium-to-large, long-haired working dog originally from Scotland.
Bearded collie is usually specialized / neutral in register.
Bearded collie: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbɪədɪd ˈkɒli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbɪrdɪd ˈkɑːli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to this breed]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COLLIE with a BEARD. The image of a shaggy-faced sheepdog from the Scottish Highlands.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHAGGINESS IS A BEARD (applying a human facial feature to an animal's distinctive coat).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary original function of the bearded collie?