whippet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1The primary meaning is neutral/formal for dog breed description; informal when used metaphorically for people/objects.
Quick answer
What does “whippet” mean?
A breed of slender, swift dog originally bred for racing and coursing small game.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A breed of slender, swift dog originally bred for racing and coursing small game.
Something slender, swift, or agile; occasionally used informally to refer to a thin person (often with admiration for leanness/speed).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More culturally established in UK due to popularity of whippet racing; metaphorical use slightly more common in UK informal speech.
Connotations
UK: strong associations with working-class heritage, Northern England, racing. US: primarily recognized as show/companion dog breed, less cultural baggage.
Frequency
Low frequency in both dialects for metaphorical use; higher in UK in specific regional/sporting contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “whippet” in a Sentence
[be] + as + ADJ + as a whippet[run/move] + like a whippet[a/ the] + whippet + of a + NOUN (e.g., 'a whippet of a car')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “whippet” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He had a whippet-like build, all sinew and speed.
American English
- The car's whippet design allowed it to slip through traffic.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in marketing for agility/speed: 'Our new logistics network is the whippet of the industry.'
Academic
Rare outside canine genetics/zoology papers.
Everyday
Mainly in dog ownership/pet contexts, or as simile for speed/leanness.
Technical
Dog breeding/racing terminology; sometimes in engineering for slender, fast components.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “whippet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whippet”
- Misspelling as 'whipet' or 'whippit'. Using for any thin dog, not specifically the breed.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Whippets are significantly smaller, more slender, and were traditionally bred for different types of coursing and racing in confined spaces.
No, it is solely a noun (and occasionally an adjective in compound forms like 'whippet-thin').
It depends on context. It usually highlights leanness and speed positively, but could be rude if implying excessive thinness without consent.
Yes, they are generally gentle, affectionate, and good with children, but require regular exercise due to their high speed and prey drive.
A breed of slender, swift dog originally bred for racing and coursing small game.
Whippet is usually the primary meaning is neutral/formal for dog breed description; informal when used metaphorically for people/objects. in register.
Whippet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈwɪpɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈwɪpɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “run like a whippet”
- “whippet-thin”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
WHIPPET = WHIP + PET. Imagine a pet that moves as fast as a cracking whip.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEED/AGILITY IS CANINE; SLENDERNESS IS CANINE.
Practice
Quiz
In British cultural context, a 'whippet' is most strongly associated with: