Irish setter

noun

: any of a breed of bird dogs resembling English setters but with a glossy mahogany-red coat

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web See dignitaries and honorees, floats, high school marching bands, police and fire department units, Irish community groups, dancing groups, equestrian units, clowns, antique cars, Irish setters, and more. Cathi Douglas, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2023 For most of the 20th century, breeders focused so exclusively on the Irish setter’s conformation that finding a red dog that could hunt was like finding a leprechaun. Kyle Wintersteen, Field & Stream, 30 Jan. 2023 One duty Haney has also taken on has been walking the first family's dogs, beginning with Nixon's Irish setter, King Timahoe. Kyle Swenson, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Oct. 2022 There was Honey, the Irish setter whose fatal habit was chasing cars. Sarah Paley, The New Yorker, 16 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Irish setter.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Irish setter was in 1812

Dictionary Entries Near Irish setter

Cite this Entry

“Irish setter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Irish%20setter. Accessed 30 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

Irish setter

noun
: any of a breed of bird dogs having a mahogany-red coat
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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