sighthound: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, technical (dog breeding, hunting)
Quick answer
What does “sighthound” mean?
A type of hound that hunts primarily by sight and speed, rather than by scent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of hound that hunts primarily by sight and speed, rather than by scent.
Refers specifically to breeds like Greyhounds, Whippets, Salukis, and Afghan Hounds, characterized by lean bodies, deep chests, long legs, and exceptional vision for spotting and chasing prey.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is standard in both varieties, but 'gazehound' is a rare, chiefly British alternative. The concept is equally familiar in both cultures due to shared dog breeds.
Connotations
In both, it conveys elegance, ancient lineage, and specialized hunting ability. In the US, it may also strongly associate with dog racing (e.g., Greyhounds).
Frequency
Low-frequency in general discourse but common within specific communities (kennel clubs, dog sports).
Grammar
How to Use “sighthound” in a Sentence
The [breed] is a sighthound.She breeds [plural sighthounds].Sighthounds are used for [purpose].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sighthound” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The sighthound breeds require specific exercise.
American English
- We're looking for a sighthound-friendly apartment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in niche markets (pet supplies, breeding).
Academic
Used in zoology, canine genetics, and historical studies of hunting.
Everyday
Used by dog owners, at animal shelters, and in pet-related conversations.
Technical
Standard term in cynology (the study of dogs), kennel club classifications, and veterinary specializations.
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sighthound”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sighthound”
- Confusing 'sighthound' with any fast dog (e.g., a Dalmatian is not a sighthound).
- Misspelling as 'sitehound' or 'sightound'.
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'to sighthound' is incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A Greyhound is one breed of sighthound. 'Sighthound' is the category that includes Greyhounds, Whippets, Borzois, and others.
They can be, as they are often calm indoors, but they require daily opportunities for safe, high-speed running in a securely fenced area.
They are distinguished from 'scenthounds' by their primary hunting method: using sharp eyesight to detect and track prey, followed by a swift chase.
The direct functional opposite is a 'scenthound' or 'nosehound', which tracks prey primarily using its sense of smell, often at a slower pace.
A type of hound that hunts primarily by sight and speed, rather than by scent.
Sighthound is usually formal, technical (dog breeding, hunting) in register.
Sighthound: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪt.haʊnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsaɪt.haʊnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
They hunt by SIGHT, and they're HOUNDs. Think: SIGHT + HOUND = sees prey and runs it down.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEED IS A VISUAL PURSUIT; THE DOG IS A LIVING PROJECTILE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a typical characteristic of a sighthound?