noun
spaniel
SPAN-yul/ˈspænjəl/
A dog of a long-eared breed traditionally used for hunting.
Our spaniel has long, silky ears that need regular brushing.
Etymology
The “Spanish” label named a bird-hunting dog believed to come from Spain. The name records that belief, but the breed’s actual Spanish origin is uncertain.
In context
my dog Smitty who is a springer spaniel we've just started recently with upland game with pheasants to have a team the three of us
More examples
- The hunter's spaniel flushes birds from the tall grass.
- Two spaniels chase a tennis ball across the yard.
- She adopts a cocker spaniel from the local shelter.
Forms
spaniel · spaniels
Similar words
- dog
- Dog is broader and does not identify a breed type.