basset hound

noun

bas·​set hound ˈba-sət- 

: any of an old breed of short-legged hunting dogs of French origin having very long ears and a short smooth coat

called also basset

Illustration of basset hound

Examples of basset hound in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Within 24 hours, a trio of canine statues — including a gleaming gold basset hound riding in the back seat — had been sourced, delivered and installed. — Melinda Sheckells, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026

But Jenny heard Lauren yelling and comparing Jenny’s child to her elderly basset hound. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026

Since her adoption, Winnie shares her home with two dog siblings, a basset hound named Willy and a cocker spaniel named Stewie. — Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2026

For fun, Haase enjoys attending sporting events around the world, from several FIFA Women's World Cups to a Formula 1 race in Europe; sewing; reading; trivia; and spending time with her 7-year-old basset hound, Ripley. — Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 17 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French basset, from Middle French, from basset short, from bas low — more at base entry 3

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for basset hound

• aboveground
• battleground
• belowground
• paperbound
• turnaround
• ultrasound
• underground
• wraparound
• abound
• aground
• around
• astound

Kids Definition

basset hound

noun

bas·​set hound ˈbas-ət- 

: any of an old French breed of short-legged long-eared hunting dogs

called also basset