dog star: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowLiterary, poetic, technical (astronomy)
Quick answer
What does “dog star” mean?
The brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, in the constellation Canis Major.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, in the constellation Canis Major.
A poetic or literary term for Sirius; sometimes used metaphorically to refer to something exceptionally bright, prominent, or guiding.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the term identically in literary and astronomical contexts.
Connotations
Evokes classical mythology, antiquity, and sometimes the heat of summer. Neutral in technical astronomy.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, found in similar literary and educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “dog star” in a Sentence
[The] Dog Star [verb]...See [object] like the Dog StarAs bright as the Dog StarVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “dog star” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Sirius, the dog-star luminary, guided ancient sailors.
- The dog-star brilliance was unmistakable.
American English
- The dog-star brightness dominated the winter sky.
- He described her eyes as having a dog-star intensity.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in astronomy, classics, and literature courses.
Everyday
Rare; might appear in poetry, historical fiction, or stargazing contexts.
Technical
Standard term in astronomy for Sirius, though 'Sirius' is more common.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “dog star”
- Using 'dog star' to refer to any bright star (e.g., Polaris). Capitalising incorrectly ('dog Star'). Thinking it refers to a star shaped like a dog.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a star—specifically, the binary star system Sirius, the brightest in our night sky.
It is located in the constellation Canis Major, which means 'Greater Dog' in Latin.
It is acceptable but less formal than 'Sirius' or 'Alpha Canis Majoris'. Context dictates usage.
They are the hot, sultry days of summer, traditionally associated with the heliacal rising of Sirius.
The brightest star in the night sky, Sirius, in the constellation Canis Major.
Dog star is usually literary, poetic, technical (astronomy) in register.
Dog star: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒɡ ˌstɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːɡ ˌstɑːr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dog days (derived from the heliacal rising of Sirius)”
- “Sirian brilliance”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a loyal dog following its master Orion across the sky. The brightest 'dog' in that celestial pack is the Dog Star.
Conceptual Metaphor
GUIDANCE IS A BRIGHT STAR (The Dog Star as a navigational marker). PROMINENCE IS LUMINOSITY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the 'Dog Star'?