labrador retriever
B1Neutral, everyday. Also used in technical/breeder contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A breed of medium-to-large, strongly-built gun dog originally bred for retrieving game from water.
A very popular family pet and working dog, known for its intelligence, gentle temperament, and loyalty.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Proper noun (capitalized). Often shortened informally to 'Labrador' or 'Lab'. The breed name distinguishes it from other retriever breeds (e.g., Golden Retriever).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The breed is equally recognized. Spelling of associated words may follow regional norms (e.g., colour/color).
Connotations
Strongly associated with family life, loyalty, and outdoor activities in both cultures.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties as one of the most popular dog breeds.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Owner/Subject] has/owns a Labrador retriever.The Labrador retriever [verb: retrieved, fetched, barked].We are thinking of getting a Labrador retriever.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As loyal as a Labrador.”
- “A Labrador's heart (meaning very kind and forgiving).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in pet industry, veterinary, or pet food marketing contexts.
Academic
Used in veterinary science, animal behavior studies, and genetics research.
Everyday
Very common in general conversation about pets, family, and activities.
Technical
Used in dog breeding, kennel club registrations, and field trial contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Our dog is a proper Labrador retrieving champion.
- The spaniel flushed the bird and the labrador retrieved it.
American English
- He's out labradoring with his dog in the field.
- That dog doesn't just fetch, he totally labradors it back.
adverb
British English
- He fetched the paper Labradorly, with a wagging tail.
- She greeted us Labradorishly, all wiggles and joy.
American English
- The puppy bounded Labradorly across the lawn.
- He waited Labradorishly by the dinner table.
adjective
British English
- She has a very Labrador-like personality: friendly and food-motivated.
- His Labrador-esque enthusiasm for the ball was endearing.
American English
- That was a Labrador-level retrieval from the pond!
- His loyalty is absolutely Labradorian.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a black Labrador retriever.
- Labrador retrievers are friendly dogs.
- The Labrador retriever plays in the garden.
- We're considering getting a Labrador retriever puppy next spring.
- His well-trained Labrador retriever fetched the ball from the lake.
- Labrador retrievers need a lot of exercise and attention.
- The breed standard for a Labrador retriever specifies a strong, athletic build and an 'otter' tail.
- Due to their gentle temperament, Labrador retrievers are frequently used as therapy dogs.
- She decided to enter her chocolate Labrador retriever in a local dog show.
- The genetic predisposition for hip dysplasia in certain lines of Labrador retrievers is a concern for responsible breeders.
- Their Labrador retriever's exceptional scenting ability made it an invaluable asset during the search and rescue operation.
- The study compared the problem-solving skills of Border Collies and Labrador retrievers under controlled conditions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
LABrador = Loves Activities and Brings things back. Think of the dog retrieving a lab sample (playful).
Conceptual Metaphor
LOYALTY IS A LABRADOR (used to represent unwavering friendship and devotion).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'retriever' as a generic 'охотничья собака'. The breed name is a fixed compound: 'лабрадор-ретривер' or simply 'лабрадор'.
- Do not capitalize common nouns when translating descriptions (e.g., 'черный лабрадор').
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'Labradore Retreiver'.
- Using lowercase ('labrador retriever') – it's a proper breed name.
- Confusing with 'Golden Retriever'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary original function of the Labrador retriever breed?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in everyday usage. 'Labrador' is the common shortened form. The full name 'Labrador retriever' is more formal and precise, distinguishing it from other retriever breeds.
The three recognized standard colors are black, yellow (which can range from cream to fox-red), and chocolate.
Yes, because it is a proper noun derived from the Labrador region in Canada. The full breed name 'Labrador Retriever' should be capitalized.
Not in standard, formal English. However, in informal, playful contexts (especially among dog owners), it can be verbalized to mean 'to behave like a Labrador retriever' (e.g., fetching eagerly).