foxhound: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowspecialist
Quick answer
What does “foxhound” mean?
A type of dog bred specifically for hunting foxes.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of dog bred specifically for hunting foxes.
A member of any breed of large scent hounds used in fox hunting; more broadly, can refer to someone or something devoted to a particular pursuit with singular focus.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More culturally salient in British English due to the historical tradition of fox hunting, though the dog breed is known in the US. The American Foxhound is a distinct, recognized breed.
Connotations
In British English, strongly associated with countryside traditions, class, and the historical controversy over fox hunting with dogs. In American English, connotations are more neutral, relating to a specific working or show dog breed.
Frequency
Overall low frequency in both varieties. Likely slightly higher in British English in historical or rural contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “foxhound” in a Sentence
to breed a foxhoundto hunt with foxhoundsto train as a foxhoundVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, cultural, or veterinary contexts.
Everyday
Very rare, unless discussing specific dog breeds or rural life.
Technical
Standard term in dog breeding, kennel clubs, and veterinary medicine.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foxhound”
- Using 'foxhound' as a generic term for any dog that chases foxes (e.g., a terrier). It refers to specific large hound breeds.
- Misspelling as 'fox hound' (open compound) is common but the standard form is the closed compound 'foxhound'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a closed compound: one word (foxhound).
No. 'Foxhound' refers to specific breeds of scent hounds (like the English or American Foxhound), not to any dog's behaviour.
They are separate breeds. The American Foxhound is generally taller, lighter-boned, and bred for endurance over varied terrain, while the English Foxhound is stockier and bred for the traditional British hunt.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialist term. Most people will encounter it only in specific contexts related to dogs, hunting, or history.
A type of dog bred specifically for hunting foxes.
Foxhound is usually specialist in register.
Foxhound: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɒks.haʊnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɑːks.haʊnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FOX being HOUNDed (chased) by this dog – a foxhound.
Conceptual Metaphor
A FOXHOUND IS A SPECIALISED TOOL (for hunting). / A FOXHOUND IS A DEDICATED FOLLOWER (of a scent or pursuit).
Practice
Quiz
What is a foxhound primarily bred for?