bulldog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral (when referring to the dog), Informal/Figurative (when referring to a person).
Quick answer
What does “bulldog” mean?
A breed of dog characterized by a sturdy, muscular build, broad head with a short muzzle, and a courageous, tenacious temperament.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of dog characterized by a sturdy, muscular build, broad head with a short muzzle, and a courageous, tenacious temperament.
Someone who is aggressively persistent and unyielding in pursuit of a goal; a tenacious or determined person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both refer to the dog breed identically. The figurative sense ('tenacious person') is common in both. The 'bulldog clip' (stationery) is the British term; American English uses 'binder clip'. The British Bulldog is a powerful national symbol, associated with Winston Churchill.
Connotations
In the UK, the word carries strong nationalistic connotations, symbolizing British resilience and stubbornness, especially in wartime contexts (e.g., Churchill as 'the British Bulldog'). In the US, the figurative use is slightly more generic, focusing on tenacity in business or sports.
Frequency
Slightly higher figurative frequency in UK English due to its symbolic cultural role.
Grammar
How to Use “bulldog” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a bulldog for/in [cause/issue]He bulldogged his way through [obstacle]She has the tenacity of a bulldogVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bulldog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He tried to bulldog the proposal through the committee.
- The editor will bulldog the story until it's perfect.
American English
- She bulldogged the bill through Congress.
- The detective bulldogged the case for years.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used; 'bulldoggedly' is archaic/awkward)
American English
- (Rarely used; 'bulldoggedly' is archaic/awkward)
adjective
British English
- His bulldog determination was legendary.
- She gave him a bulldog look.
American English
- He has a real bulldog attitude.
- The team's bulldog defense won the game.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describes a negotiator or salesperson who is fiercely persistent and doesn't give up easily.
Academic
Rare, except in historical contexts discussing British symbolism or in animal husbandry.
Everyday
Primarily for discussing the dog breed; figuratively for describing a determined friend or colleague.
Technical
Used in veterinary science, dog breeding, and kennel club classifications.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bulldog”
- Misspelling as 'bulldogg' or 'bulldock'.
- Using the figurative sense in overly formal contexts.
- Confusing 'bulldog' (noun) with the verb form 'to bulldog' (rare).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly yes, implying admirable determination and courage. However, context matters; it can imply excessive stubbornness if the person's persistence is seen as unreasonable.
They are distinct breeds. The English bulldog is larger, heavier, and more muscular with a pronounced underbite. The French bulldog ('Frenchie') is smaller, with large 'bat' ears and a less wrinkled face.
Yes, but it's less common. It means to pursue or tackle something with relentless determination (e.g., 'to bulldog a project through to completion').
The association dates to the 18th/19th centuries. The breed's perceived traits—courage, resilience, strength, and a refusal to back down—became metaphors for the British national character, solidified by its use in wartime propaganda, notably with Churchill.
A breed of dog characterized by a sturdy, muscular build, broad head with a short muzzle, and a courageous, tenacious temperament.
Bulldog is usually neutral (when referring to the dog), informal/figurative (when referring to a person). in register.
Bulldog: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbʊl.dɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbʊl.dɔːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to have) a bulldog grip (on something)”
- “the bulldog spirit (UK)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BULL dog: it's as strong and stubborn as a BULL, and it won't let GO.
Conceptual Metaphor
TENACITY IS THE GRIP OF A BULLDOG (e.g., 'She has a bulldog grip on that account').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'British Bulldog' MOST likely to be used symbolically?