dog's age: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Casual, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “dog's age” mean?
A very long period of time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very long period of time.
An informal expression used to emphasize the excessive length of time since a particular event happened or someone was last seen.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slightly more common in American English; UK English might prefer alternatives like 'donkey's years' or simply 'ages'.
Connotations
Humorous, folksy, slightly old-fashioned.
Frequency
Low frequency in formal contexts, but recognized and understood in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “dog's age” in a Sentence
It has been a dog's age since + CLAUSEI haven't VERB + OBJECT for/in a dog's ageVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly unusual; considered unprofessional.
Academic
Never used; considered too informal and non-specific.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation among friends or family.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “dog's age”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “dog's age”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dog's age”
- Using 'dog age' without the possessive 's'.
- Using 'dogs' ages' (plural).
- Using it in a positive statement without 'a' (e.g., 'I saw him dog's age ago').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is strictly informal and colloquial.
No, it only ever means a very long time.
Yes, it is almost always used as 'a dog's age'.
No, it is a harmless, folksy expression with no negative connotations towards dogs.
A very long period of time.
Dog's age: in British English it is pronounced /ə ˈdɒɡz eɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ə ˈdɔːɡz eɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Don't keep a dog and bark yourself.”
- “Every dog has its day.”
- “It's a dog's life.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an old dog with a long grey beard, counting the rings on a giant tree stump - that's 'a dog's age'.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS A LIVING BEING THAT CAN AGE.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'a dog's age' used CORRECTLY?