doghouse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “doghouse” mean?
A small outdoor shelter or kennel for a dog.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small outdoor shelter or kennel for a dog.
1. A state of disfavour or trouble (as in the idiom 'in the doghouse'). 2. A niche, compact, or subordinate structure (e.g., a small studio or office).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word itself is identical in form and meaning. The figurative idiom 'in the doghouse' is slightly more common in American English but fully understood in British English. British English may marginally prefer 'kennel' for the literal structure.
Connotations
Identical connotations. The figurative use carries a mild, often humorous connotation of domestic trouble, not serious disgrace.
Frequency
Slightly higher overall frequency in American English, primarily due to the popularity of the idiom.
Grammar
How to Use “doghouse” in a Sentence
[Subject] built a doghouse.[Subject] is in the doghouse (with [Object]).[Subject] put [Object] in the doghouse.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “doghouse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was doghoused by his teammates for forgetting the kit. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- The coach doghoused the player for missing practice. (rare, non-standard)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figuratively: 'After missing the deadline, he's in the doghouse with the boss.'
Academic
Rare; potentially in sociology/architecture discussing domestic spaces.
Everyday
Common for both the literal structure and the idiomatic expression of mild trouble.
Technical
Used in pet care/animal husbandry contexts for the literal meaning.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “doghouse”
- Using 'dog house' as two separate words is a common spelling error; the standard is one word: 'doghouse'. Confusing 'doghouse' (shelter) with 'dog home' (non-idiomatic).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is one word: 'doghouse'.
A 'kennel' can refer to both a single dog shelter and a commercial boarding facility for pets. A 'doghouse' specifically refers to a small, single shelter, usually outdoors in a garden/yard.
It is considered informal. In formal contexts, use phrases like 'in disfavour', 'under a cloud', or 'out of favour'.
No, it is non-standard slang. The standard way to express the action is with the idiom: 'to put someone in the doghouse'.
A small outdoor shelter or kennel for a dog.
Doghouse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdɒɡhaʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdɔːɡhaʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in the doghouse (in disfavour, especially with a partner or superior)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a house for a dog. If the dog misbehaves, it might be sent to its doghouse. Similarly, a person in trouble is metaphorically 'in the doghouse.'
Conceptual Metaphor
DISFAVOUR IS BEING SENT TO AN INFERIOR/ANIMAL SHELTER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary figurative meaning of 'in the doghouse'?