st. bernard: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
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Quick answer
What does “st. bernard” mean?
A very large, powerful breed of working dog originally from the Swiss Alps, known for mountain rescue and having a gentle, friendly temperament.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very large, powerful breed of working dog originally from the Swiss Alps, known for mountain rescue and having a gentle, friendly temperament.
Can refer to the breed itself, an individual dog of that breed, or evoke imagery of rescue, alpine environments, large size, and drooling.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The pronunciation and the spelling 'St.' vs. 'Saint' may vary slightly in casual writing.
Connotations
Consistently evokes a large, gentle, rescue dog. In the UK, may have stronger association with the historical hospice dogs; in the US, often linked to family films and popular culture.
Frequency
Moderate and similar in both dialects. Common when discussing dog breeds, pets, or alpine history.
Grammar
How to Use “st. bernard” in a Sentence
We [verb: acquired] a St. Bernard.The St. Bernard [verb: rescued] the climber.He looks like a St. Bernard.The breed, the St. Bernard, is known for...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “st. bernard” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A – proper noun.
American English
- N/A – proper noun.
adverb
British English
- N/A – proper noun.
American English
- N/A – proper noun.
adjective
British English
- He has a very St. Bernard-like personality – huge and lovable.
- The St. Bernard rescue instincts are legendary.
American English
- That's a very Saint Bernard thing to do, knocking over the water bowl.
- We're dealing with a St. Bernard-sized problem here.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in pet industry marketing or tourism related to Switzerland.
Academic
In historical or veterinary texts discussing dog breeds and their development.
Everyday
Common in conversations about pets, dogs, size, or popular culture references.
Technical
In kennel club registries, veterinary journals, and breed standards documentation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “st. bernard”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “st. bernard”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “st. bernard”
- Writing 'St Bernard' without the period (UK sometimes accepts this).
- Writing 'Saint Bernard' in full is acceptable but less common.
- Pronouncing 'Bernard' as /bərˈnɑːrd/ in British English (the US pronunciation is standard for the breed name).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'St. Bernard' is the more common abbreviated form.
This is a persistent myth. There is no historical evidence from the hospice that the dogs carried brandy; it was likely a 19th-century artistic invention.
Yes, they are famously gentle, patient, and good with children, but their massive size and need for space, exercise, and grooming require committed owners.
The breed is named after the Great St. Bernard Pass in the Alps and the hospice of Saint Bernard of Menthon located there, where the dogs were used by monks.
A very large, powerful breed of working dog originally from the Swiss Alps, known for mountain rescue and having a gentle, friendly temperament.
St. bernard is usually neutral in register.
St. bernard: in British English it is pronounced /ˌseɪnt ˈbɜːnəd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌseɪnt bərˈnɑːrd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Like a St. Bernard in a china shop (humorous, implying clumsiness due to size)”
- “A St. Bernard's welcome (an overwhelmingly slobbery, affectionate greeting)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a **SAINT**ly, **BERNARD**-the-monk looking dog carrying a small barrel of brandy to save lost travelers in the snowy Alps.
Conceptual Metaphor
A ST. BERNARD IS A GENTLE GIANT / A LIVING RESCUE DEVICE.
Practice
Quiz
What is a common cultural association, albeit historically inaccurate, with the St. Bernard?