flews: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareSpecialized/Technical (Veterinary, Dog Breeding), occasionally Literary/Descriptive
Quick answer
What does “flews” mean?
The pendulous, overhanging upper lips of certain breeds of dogs, such as bloodhounds and mastiffs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The pendulous, overhanging upper lips of certain breeds of dogs, such as bloodhounds and mastiffs.
While strictly referring to canine anatomy, it is occasionally used in a broader, poetic sense to describe loose, drooping lips or loose, pendulous flesh.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition. The term is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral and technical when used in a dog-breeding context; slightly archaic or literary if used descriptively outside of that context.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general use. Its frequency is almost entirely confined to specialized literature on dogs and certain descriptive passages in fiction.
Grammar
How to Use “flews” in a Sentence
The [breed] has [adjective] flews.The [body part noun: flews] of the [animal noun] were [adjective].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Possible use in veterinary medicine or animal science texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in dog breeding standards, veterinary descriptions, and breed-specific literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “flews”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “flews”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flews”
- Using it as a singular noun (e.g., 'a flew'). It is always plural.
- Confusing it with 'flues' (chimney ducts) or 'flu' (influenza).
- Applying it to humans in non-literary contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a plural-only noun. There is no singular form like 'a flew' in standard usage.
Only in a very deliberate, literary, or metaphorical sense to suggest loose, drooping flesh. In everyday language, it would sound strange or archaic.
Breeds like Bloodhounds, Basset Hounds, Mastiffs, Saint Bernards, and Bulldogs are known for their pronounced flews.
Etymologically, yes. The word likely originates from an old English verb related to 'flow', referring to the loose, flowing nature of the hanging lips.
The pendulous, overhanging upper lips of certain breeds of dogs, such as bloodhounds and mastiffs.
Flews is usually specialized/technical (veterinary, dog breeding), occasionally literary/descriptive in register.
Flews: in British English it is pronounced /fluːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /fluːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No established idioms.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a hound whose upper lips FLOW and DROOP in a loose, pendulous way – FLEWS.
Conceptual Metaphor
Not commonly used metaphorically. Literal anatomical term.
Practice
Quiz
What does the noun 'flews' specifically refer to?