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DictionaryhoundHunting dog
noun / verb

hound

HOUND/haʊnd/

A hunting dog trained for persistent pursuit.

The hound follows a scent along the woodland trail, nose near the ground.

A recognizable bloodhound follows a scent with its nose close to the ground, long ears hanging beside its muzzle and one forepaw advancing along a sparse woodland trail.
Etymology
houndOld Englishdog

Hund was originally the ordinary word for any dog. Its meaning narrowed to a hunting dog, while dog eventually took over as the general term.

In context

Xuki Tips0:25
When this nose turns on, the rest of the world turns off. With over 220 million scent receptors, [music] a Basset Hound doesn't just smell the present, they can smell the past.
Basset Hound: The Short-Legged Philosopher #bassethound

More examples

  • The hounds pick up the fox's scent and begin to bark.
  • Reporters hound the mayor for answers about the missing funds.
  • My brother is a news hound who reads three papers daily.

Forms

hound · hounds · hounded · hounding

Similar words

hunting dog
Broader term that includes dogs trained to retrieve game.
bloodhound
A specific hound breed especially known for tracking scents.