dog collar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal (for clergy meaning); Standard (for pet accessory meaning).
Quick answer
What does “dog collar” mean?
A strap or band worn around a dog's neck, typically used for identification, control, or attaching a leash.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strap or band worn around a dog's neck, typically used for identification, control, or attaching a leash.
Informal term for a clerical collar (a stiff, white collar worn by Christian clergy, particularly in the Anglican Church), due to its visual resemblance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'dog collar' is a common informal term for a clerical collar. In American English, this usage is understood but far less common; 'clerical collar' or 'Roman collar' are standard.
Connotations
UK: For clergy, informal, sometimes mildly humorous or irreverent. US: For clergy, more likely to be seen as slangy or dismissive. For pet accessory, neutral in both.
Frequency
The pet accessory meaning is high-frequency in both. The clergy meaning is medium-frequency in UK informal contexts, low-frequency in US.
Grammar
How to Use “dog collar” in a Sentence
[Subject] + put/fasten + [Object] dog collar + on + [Animal][Subject] + wear + (a) dog collarVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dog collar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vicar was dog-collared and ready for the service.
- They dog-collared the new curate as a rite of passage.
American English
- [Verb use is exceedingly rare in American English.]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use.]
adjective
British English
- He had a dog-collar look about him.
- The dog-collar brigade arrived for the meeting.
American English
- [Adjectival use is very rare and non-standard in American English.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could appear in pet industry retail contexts.
Academic
Rare, except in theological discussions referencing informal clerical attire.
Everyday
Very common for pet accessory; common in UK for informal reference to clergy.
Technical
Used in veterinary, pet training, or pet product manufacturing contexts.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dog collar”
- Using 'dog collar' formally to address a clergy person (it's informal/slang).
- Confusing 'dog collar' with 'dog leash' (the leash attaches *to* the collar).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and can be perceived as mildly irreverent or humorous. It is best avoided in formal or respectful contexts. Many clergy themselves use the term casually.
While specifically 'dog', it is sometimes used for similar collars on cats or other pets, though 'pet collar' is more generic and accurate.
A collar fits around the neck, while a harness fits around the torso and legs. Harnesses are often used for dogs prone to tracheal issues or for better control.
The visual similarity led to the slang term becoming entrenched in UK culture, likely due to the high visibility of Anglican clergy in everyday life historically.
A strap or band worn around a dog's neck, typically used for identification, control, or attaching a leash.
Dog collar is usually informal (for clergy meaning); standard (for pet accessory meaning). in register.
Dog collar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒg ˌkɒlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔɡ ˌkɑlər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly from 'dog collar', but related:] 'Call off the dogs' (to stop criticizing or pursuing).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Picture a vicar wearing a stiff white band around his neck. Now imagine a dog wearing the same thing. The shared visual shape links the two meanings.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS AN ANIMAL (when using 'dog collar' to refer to a clergy member, it humorously maps an animal accessory onto a human).
Practice
Quiz
What is the PRIMARY meaning of 'dog collar'?