hunting dogs: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Specialized, informal. More common in conversation about outdoor activities, rural life, or specific dog breeds than in general formal prose.
Quick answer
What does “hunting dogs” mean?
Dogs specifically bred, trained, or used for assisting in the pursuit and capture of game animals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Dogs specifically bred, trained, or used for assisting in the pursuit and capture of game animals.
The broader category of canine breeds with natural instincts and abilities for tracking, flushing, pointing, or retrieving game. It can also metaphorically describe a group pursuing a goal with determination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. 'Gun dog' is a more precise UK term for dogs used in bird shooting. 'Hound' is common in both for specific scent-driven breeds.
Connotations
In both regions, carries connotations of tradition, rural life, and specific skillsets. In urban contexts, may have slightly negative connotations for those opposed to hunting.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to broader cultural prevalence of hunting as a sport.
Grammar
How to Use “hunting dogs” in a Sentence
Own [hunting dogs]Train [hunting dogs]Use [hunting dogs] for [game][Hunting dogs] are used to [verb]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hunting dogs” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The terriers are adept at hunting dogs out of their burrows.
American English
- He spent the morning hunting dogs that had strayed from the kennel.
adjective
British English
- The hunting-dog community gathered for the field trial.
American English
- She has extensive hunting dog experience in the Rockies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in commerce related to outdoor equipment, pet supplies, or breeding.
Academic
Used in zoology, animal behavior studies, and cultural anthropology discussing human-animal partnerships.
Everyday
Common in conversations among hunters, farmers, dog enthusiasts, and in rural communities.
Technical
Used in kennel club classifications, veterinary specializations, and wildlife management contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hunting dogs”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hunting dogs”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hunting dogs”
- Using singular 'hunting dog' when referring to the general category. Using 'hunter dogs' (incorrect compound).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it primarily describes the breed's purpose and inherent skills, even if a specific dog is not currently used for hunting.
All hounds are hunting dogs, but not all hunting dogs are hounds. 'Hound' typically refers to breeds that hunt primarily by scent or sight (e.g., Beagles, Greyhounds), while 'hunting dog' includes retrievers, pointers, and spaniels used with guns.
It is acceptable but somewhat general. For formal precision, use more specific terms like 'scent hounds,' 'bird dogs,' or 'retrievers' depending on the context.
Yes, it's grammatically correct and clear, but 'hunting dogs' is the more standard and concise compound noun.
Dogs specifically bred, trained, or used for assisting in the pursuit and capture of game animals.
Hunting dogs: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhʌntɪŋ dɒɡz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhʌntɪŋ dɔːɡz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Run with the hounds (to participate actively)”
- “Like a dog on a scent (pursuing intently)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a HUNT with a pack of DOGS leading the way. The two words together define the dogs' primary job.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURSUIT IS HUNTING (e.g., 'The journalists were like hunting dogs on the trail of the story').
Practice
Quiz
In a non-literal sense, 'hunting dogs' can metaphorically describe: