spaniel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral, sometimes literary in extended meaning
Quick answer
What does “spaniel” mean?
A breed of dog with a silky coat, long drooping ears, and a gentle, obedient nature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of dog with a silky coat, long drooping ears, and a gentle, obedient nature.
Someone who is excessively obedient or submissive, like the fawning nature attributed to the dog.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The primary breed-specific meaning is identical in both varieties. The figurative meaning ('obsequious person') is more established in British literary use.
Connotations
Generally positive for the dog. The figurative use is pejorative, implying weak subservience.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English due to the cultural prominence of specific spaniel breeds in shooting and as pets.
Grammar
How to Use “spaniel” in a Sentence
[Adj] spanielspaniel of [type]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spaniel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (rare, figurative) He would spaniel after the boss, hoping for a promotion.
American English
- (rare, figurative) She accused him of spanieling to the committee for favours.
adjective
British English
- (rare) He gave her a spaniel look of devotion.
American English
- (rare) Her spaniel-like loyalty was taken for granted.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Rare, potentially in historical, literary, or zoological contexts.
Everyday
Common in contexts discussing dog breeds, pets, or field sports.
Technical
Used in kennel club registries, veterinary medicine, and dog breeding.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spaniel”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spaniel”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spaniel”
- Misspelling as 'spanial' or 'spannel'.
- Using the figurative meaning in inappropriate contexts where it might cause offense.
- Using as a general term for any small, fluffy dog.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Very rarely and only in a figurative, often derogatory sense, meaning to behave like an obsequious spaniel. It is not standard modern usage.
In the UK, the Cocker Spaniel and Springer Spaniel are extremely common. In the US, the Cocker Spaniel and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are popular.
Almost never. While calling a dog a spaniel is positive, calling a person one is an insult, implying they are fawning and lack independence.
It comes from the Old French 'espaigneul', meaning 'Spanish (dog)', ultimately from the Latin 'Hispaniolus' meaning 'Spanish'.
A breed of dog with a silky coat, long drooping ears, and a gentle, obedient nature.
Spaniel is usually neutral, sometimes literary in extended meaning in register.
Spaniel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈspænjəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈspænjəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(figurative) to play the spaniel: to behave in an obsequiously obedient manner.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SPANiel as a dog from SPAiN (its etymological origin) with a silky coat you'd see in a spa.
Conceptual Metaphor
LOYALTY/SUBMISSION IS A DOG'S NATURE (source domain: animal behavior).
Practice
Quiz
In its extended, figurative sense, 'spaniel' primarily conveys what characteristic?