cocker spaniel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral, with specialist use in kennel/fancy contexts.
Quick answer
What does “cocker spaniel” mean?
A small to medium-sized breed of dog originally developed for hunting woodcock, characterized by long, drooping ears and a silky coat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small to medium-sized breed of dog originally developed for hunting woodcock, characterized by long, drooping ears and a silky coat.
A friendly, energetic, and affectionate domestic pet, or figuratively, a person with a similarly eager-to-please and gentle disposition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In modern kennel terminology, 'Cocker Spaniel' in the UK refers to the breed known as the 'English Cocker Spaniel' in the US. In the US, 'Cocker Spaniel' typically refers to the 'American Cocker Spaniel', a slightly different breed with a shorter muzzle and more dome-shaped head. In everyday non-specialist use, the differences are often not distinguished.
Connotations
Connotes a classic, family-friendly pet. The 'working cocker' (bred for field work) versus 'show cocker' distinction is more prevalent in UK discourse.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, though breed-specific discussions will reflect the regional distinctions.
Grammar
How to Use “cocker spaniel” in a Sentence
[owner] has/owns a cocker spanielThe cocker spaniel [verb: barked, retrieved, wagged]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cocker spaniel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The dog was clearly bred to cocker, with an excellent nose for woodcock.
American English
- [Verb use is archaic/technical and essentially non-existent in modern AmE.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use.]
adjective
British English
- He had a cocker-spaniel expression, all sad eyes and eagerness.
American English
- Her hair had a cocker spaniel curl to it.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
May appear in zoology, veterinary science, or historical texts on dog breeding.
Everyday
Common in discussions about pets, dog breeds, and family life.
Technical
Used in kennel club regulations, veterinary contexts, and dog show commentary.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cocker spaniel”
- Misspelling as 'cocker-spaniel' (hyphen is optional but less common in modern usage). Confusing it with 'Springer Spaniel'. Using it as a verb or adjective outside of very specific, non-standard contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The American Cocker Spaniel is smaller with a shorter muzzle, more domed skull, and a profuse coat. The English Cocker Spaniel is slightly larger, has a longer muzzle, a flatter skull, and is often bred in 'working' and 'show' lines.
Yes, generally. They are known for being affectionate, gentle, and good with children, though they require regular exercise and grooming.
It refers to the woodcock, a type of game bird the breed was originally specialized in flushing and retrieving during hunts.
Both are seen, but the unhyphenated form 'cocker spaniel' is far more common in contemporary usage.
A small to medium-sized breed of dog originally developed for hunting woodcock, characterized by long, drooping ears and a silky coat.
Cocker spaniel is usually neutral, with specialist use in kennel/fancy contexts. in register.
Cocker spaniel: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒkə ˈspænɪəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːkər ˈspænɪəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Figurative] He followed her around like a cocker spaniel.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COCK (woodcock, the bird) being hunted by a SPANIEL. The dog is a 'cocker' of woodcock.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOYALTY/DEVOTION IS A DOG'S NATURE (e.g., 'He was as devoted as a cocker spaniel').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary historical function of the cocker spaniel breed?