dog
A1Neutral, used across all registers from informal to formal when referring to the animal.
Definition
Meaning
A common domestic carnivorous mammal (Canis lupus familiaris) kept as a pet or for work/hunting.
Any member of the family Canidae; a male of such animals, especially foxes or wolves. Figuratively: a person considered in a specified, often negative way (e.g., 'a lucky dog', 'a sad dog'). Also, something of poor quality; a mechanical device for gripping or holding.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
While primarily a noun, 'dog' is also used as a verb meaning 'to follow persistently or harass'. The word has strong cultural connotations of loyalty and companionship, but can also imply low status or contempt in certain expressions (e.g., 'dog's life').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily in verb usage: BrE uses 'dog' more figuratively for persistent following; AmE also uses it for physical tracking. Idioms vary slightly (e.g., 'sick as a dog' is more common in AmE).
Connotations
Similar strong positive associations with pets. Slight difference: In AmE, 'dog' can more directly mean 'an unattractive person' (slang).
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties, with no significant difference.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to walk [the] dogto have/own a dogto be dogged by [misfortune]to let the dog outVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Every dog has its day.”
- “It's a dog's life.”
- “Let sleeping dogs lie.”
- “You can't teach an old dog new tricks.”
- “The tail wagging the dog.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"The project was dogged by delays from the start." (verb, meaning plagued/hampered)
Academic
"The Canis lupus familiaris, or domestic dog, exhibits remarkable phenotypic diversity."
Everyday
"I need to take the dog for a walk before it rains."
Technical
"Engage the locking dog to secure the mechanism." (mechanical part)
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The scandal dogged the minister throughout his career.
- He was dogged by a sense of failure.
American English
- The reporter dogged the candidate's every move.
- We've been dogging this trail for hours.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb. Used in compounds like 'dog-tired', meaning extremely tired.)
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb. Used in compounds like 'dog-ugly', meaning very ugly.)
adjective
British English
- She felt absolutely dog tired after the long shift.
- We're having a dog day afternoon.
American English
- He's stuck in a dog job with no future.
- That's a real dog of a car.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My dog is black and white.
- She likes dogs and cats.
- I walk my dog every day.
- We decided to adopt a dog from the shelter.
- His dog is very well trained and doesn't bark much.
- Being dog tired is a common feeling after a hike.
- The controversy dogged the company's launch, affecting its initial sales.
- He's a bit of a lone dog, preferring his own company to parties.
- The film was a real dog, panned by every critic.
- The parliamentary inquiry was dogged by accusations of partisan bias from the outset.
- His dogged determination, often seen as stubbornness, eventually led to a breakthrough in the research.
- The idiom 'let sleeping dogs lie' advises against reopening settled disputes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
DOG: Dear Old Guardian (of the home).
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE ANIMALS ('a lazy dog', 'a sly dog'); PERSISTENT PROBLEMS ARE DOGS ('dogged by issues'); UNPLEASANT SITUATIONS ARE DOGS ('a dog of a day', 'dog's breakfast').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'dog' as 'пёс' in neutral contexts—'собака' is the standard equivalent. 'Пёс' can carry a negative or masculine connotation. The idiom 'It's raining cats and dogs' does not translate literally; the Russian equivalent is 'Льёт как из ведра'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dog' as a countable noun without an article ('I have dog' -> 'I have a dog'). Confusing 'dog' (animal) with 'bitch' (female dog) in polite conversation.
Practice
Quiz
In a business context, what does it mean if a project is 'dogged by problems'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in general usage 'dog' can refer to any gender. The specific term 'bitch' exists for a female dog, but it is often avoided in casual conversation due to its offensive slang meaning. In contexts like dog shows or breeding, 'bitch' is the standard technical term.
All hounds are dogs, but not all dogs are hounds. 'Hound' refers to specific types of dogs traditionally used for hunting using scent or sight (e.g., beagles, bloodhounds, greyhounds). 'Dog' is the universal term for the species.
Not always. Context is key. 'You lucky dog!' is friendly. 'He's a sad dog' is mildly critical. However, calling someone 'a dog' or 'dog' directly regarding appearance is a strong insult, primarily in American slang.
Absolutely. The primary association for most speakers is positive: a loyal companion and pet. Phrases like 'man's best friend', 'top dog' (leader), and 'guide dog' (helper) carry very positive connotations.