Dog Meaning and Definition
Dog
Pronunciation
/dɔɡ/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A domesticated mammal (Canis lupus familiaris) that is a subspecies of the wolf and is often kept as a pet, used as a working animal, or used to guard property.
Examples
- The family has a dog as a pet.
- The police train dogs for search and rescue missions.
Synonyms
- Puppy
- K9
Antonyms
- Cat
- Lion
Etymology
The word “dog” comes from the Old English word “docga”, which was derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*dukiz”, and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root “*dukwos”, meaning “teat” or “breast”.
Additional Information
Dogs are social animals that thrive on interaction with their human family and other dogs. They are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and adaptability. With proper training and care, dogs can make wonderful companions.
In many cultures, dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, and have been used for various purposes such as hunting, herding, and guarding.
Usage Notes
The word “dog” can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to the animal. As a verb, it means to follow or track someone or something.
Cultural References
Dogs have been featured in many films, books, and TV shows, such as the classic movie “Beethoven”, the popular TV show “Peanuts”, and the book series “Harry Potter”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Ruff day” (meaning a difficult or stressful day)
- “Dog-tired” (meaning extremely tired)
Related Words or Phrases
- Breed
- Pack
- Hound
Collocations
- dog park
- dog food
- dog walking
Frequency of Use
The word “dog” is a very common word in modern language, and is often used in everyday conversation.
Common Misspellings
- Dogg
- Doog
- Jog