noun
greyhound
GRAY-hownd/ˈɡreɪhaʊnd/
A slender dog of a fast-running breed used for racing or hunting.
The greyhound races across the field on its long, slender legs.
Etymology
Old English grighund already named this kind of dog. Its first element probably meant “bitch,” though its origin is unknown; the familiar association with the colour grey reflects a later interpretation of the name.
In context
A greyhound at full speed [music] spends more time airborne than on the ground. What most people do not expect from the world's fastest dog [music] breed is what it is like to live with one.
More examples
- They adopt a retired racing greyhound from a rescue group.
- Greyhounds were bred to chase fast-moving prey.
- Our greyhound loves to nap on the couch.
Forms
greyhound · greyhounds
Similar words
- sighthound
- A broader category of dogs that hunt primarily by sight.
- hound
- A broader term for dogs bred to pursue game.