WordGarden.ioterrier
C1Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈɛrɪə/
US
- /ˈtɛriər/
Meanings
Noun
a dog of a breed or type originally bred to hunt or dig out small animals
a very tenacious or persistent person
Beyond the definition
A terrier is not just any small dog. It is part of a group of breeds that were bred to hunt animals such as rats, foxes, and badgers. The name is linked to earth because these dogs were often sent into burrows to chase animals out.
These dogs are usually lively, brave, and strong-willed. A Jack Russell may seem full of endless energy, while a Scottish Terrier may seem more calm and proud, but many of them share a determined nature. People can also use the word for a person who keeps pushing and does not give up easily.
The word "terrier" refers to a group of dog breeds, usually small to medium in size, that were bred mainly in Great Britain to hunt vermin and other small animals, including rats, foxes, and badgers. The name is connected with earth, which fits their old job of going into burrows to chase prey.
There is a lot of variety within this group, from the small Norfolk Terrier to the larger Airedale Terrier, but they often share some common traits: high energy, courage, independence, and a strong instinct to chase and hunt. Because of that, they often need plenty of exercise and activity.
Historically, these were working dogs valued for their usefulness. Today, many are family pets, but that original drive often remains. The word can also be used in a figurative way for a person who is persistent, active, and hard to stop.
So the word can describe both a kind of dog and, by comparison, a person with that same lively and determined spirit. In both uses, it suggests energy, courage, and a refusal to back down easily.
Examples
- 1
Animal adoption
They adopted a terrier from the local animal shelter.
- 2
Pet behavior
Our terrier gets excited whenever someone knocks at the door.
- 3
Breed type
The vet said the puppy was probably a terrier mix.
- Phraseterrier mix
a dog that is partly terrier and partly another breed
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- terriernoun