brindle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Specialized/Descriptive
Quick answer
What does “brindle” mean?
A coat colouring in animals, especially dogs and cats, consisting of a tawny or greyish background with darker streaks, spots, or mottling.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A coat colouring in animals, especially dogs and cats, consisting of a tawny or greyish background with darker streaks, spots, or mottling.
The streaked or mottled pattern itself; more rarely, something marked with such a pattern. Can also be used as a descriptive adjective.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Slight preference for 'brindle' as the standard term in both varieties, though 'brindled' (adjective) is equally common.
Connotations
Neutral, descriptive term in both. Associated with specific dog breeds (e.g., Boxers, Greyhounds, French Bulldogs) and cats.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language, but standard within the specific domains of dog breeding, veterinary science, and pet ownership.
Grammar
How to Use “brindle” in a Sentence
The [animal] has a brindle [coat/pattern].It is a [breed] with brindle markings.The [adjective] brindle [noun]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brindle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (Not used as a verb).
American English
- N/A (Not used as a verb).
adverb
British English
- N/A (Not used as an adverb).
American English
- N/A (Not used as an adverb).
adjective
British English
- They adopted a lovely brindle Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
- The brindle pattern on that cat is quite striking.
American English
- We're looking for a brindle French Bulldog puppy.
- His coat is a beautiful reverse brindle colour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in zoology, genetics, and veterinary sciences when describing animal phenotypes.
Everyday
Used by pet owners, breeders, and in conversations about animals.
Technical
Standard term in kennel club breed standards and feline genetics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brindle”
- Using 'brindle' as a verb (e.g., 'It brindles').
- Confusing 'brindle' (noun/adj.) with 'brindled' (adjective only).
- Misspelling as 'brindal', 'brindel'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is most common for dogs but is also correctly used for cats, cattle, and occasionally other animals with similar streaked markings.
'Brindle' is primarily a noun (the pattern) but can be used attributively as an adjective (a brindle coat). 'Brindled' is an adjective only (a brindled cow). They are largely interchangeable in adjectival use.
In reverse brindle, the darker colour is so dominant it appears as if the lighter colour forms streaks or spots on a dark background, essentially the inverse of the typical brindle pattern.
No, it is a colour and pattern description, not a breed. Many different breeds can have brindle individuals.
A coat colouring in animals, especially dogs and cats, consisting of a tawny or greyish background with darker streaks, spots, or mottling.
Brindle is usually specialized/descriptive in register.
Brindle: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪnd(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɪndl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BRINDLE dog's coat being like a bundle of mixed, BRINdled (burnished/blended) colours.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly concrete, descriptive term).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'brindle' MOST appropriately used?