hound dog: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, with some technical use in hunting/dog breeding contexts.
Quick answer
What does “hound dog” mean?
A type of dog bred and trained for hunting, typically using scent or sight to track prey.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of dog bred and trained for hunting, typically using scent or sight to track prey.
A person who relentlessly pursues, pesters, or seeks something/someone (often used disparagingly). As a verb: to persistently harass or pursue.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'hound' is standard; the compound 'hound dog' is rare and would be seen as an Americanism. In American English, 'hound dog' is common, especially in informal and regional speech.
Connotations
UK: Primarily associated with specific dog breeds (e.g., foxhound). US: Broader, can denote any mongrel hunting dog, with strong cultural ties to blues/country music (e.g., Elvis Presley's 'Hound Dog').
Frequency
Much more frequent in American English; low frequency in modern British English.
Grammar
How to Use “hound dog” in a Sentence
[Subject] hounds [Object] (e.g., The reporter hounded the politician.)[Subject] is a real hound dog (for something) (e.g., He's a hound dog for gossip.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hound dog” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The paparazzi hounded the celebrity for weeks.
- He was hounded out of his job by the rumours.
American English
- The collector hounded me to sell my old comic books.
- Reporters hounded the mayor about the scandal.
adjective
British English
- He had a hound-dog look of sadness about him. (metaphorical)
American English
- She gave him a hound dog grin before asking for a favour.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Metaphorical: 'The sales team hounded the client until they got the deal.'
Academic
Rare outside of historical/zoological contexts discussing dog breeds.
Everyday
Used to describe persistent people or certain types of dogs.
Technical
Used in dog breeding/hunting circles to specify types within the hound group.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hound dog”
Strong
Neutral
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hound dog”
- Using 'hound dog' in formal British English writing.
- Confusing 'hound dog' (hunter) with 'bloodhound' (a specific breed).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American informal use, often yes, but it adds a folksy, emphatic, or affectionate tone. In precise terms, 'hound' is the category, and 'hound dog' specifies an individual animal within it.
Yes, especially when referring to the dog's hunting ability or loyalty. However, when applied to a person, it is usually negative, implying they are untrustworthy or annoyingly persistent.
Linguistically, 'hound' is the standard term. 'Hound dog' is a colloquial, often regional (US) compound that functions as a single lexical unit, popularised by music and culture.
The 1956 rock and roll hit "Hound Dog" embedded the phrase in global popular culture, forever linking it with the meaning of a 'no-good, unfaithful man.' This greatly influenced its modern connotations.
A type of dog bred and trained for hunting, typically using scent or sight to track prey.
Hound dog is usually informal, with some technical use in hunting/dog breeding contexts. in register.
Hound dog: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaʊnd ˌdɒɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaʊnd ˌdɔːɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “"You ain't nothing but a hound dog" (from the song, implying worthlessness/unfaithfulness)”
- “work like a hound dog (to work very hard)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a dog that HOUNDS (harasses) its prey. The word 'hound' is already in the meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A DOG (specifically, a disreputable/unfaithful one). PURSUIT IS HUNTING.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'hound dog' MOST likely used in American English?