bloodhound

noun

blood·​hound ˈbləd-ˌhau̇nd 

1

: any of a breed of large powerful hounds of European origin remarkable for acuteness of smell

2

: a person keen in pursuit

Illustration of bloodhound

• bloodhound 1

Examples of bloodhound in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Neece is calmly and casually kind, like a faithful bloodhound without jowls. — Emma Madden, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026

Even bloodhounds, dogs so famous for their sense of smell that they’re used to track missing people, don’t smell as well a black bear. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026

Officials said the Georgia Department of Corrections K-9 Unit bloodhound played a key role in helping authorities locate Berry, who was taken into custody by Tuesday evening. — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026

Hailey Harris Stearns County Deputy Laura Berg and her bloodhound K-9, Storm, rushed to help. — Wcco Staff, CBS News, 24 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bloodhound

noun

blood·​hound ˈbləd-ˌhau̇nd 

: any of a breed of large powerful hounds with a wrinkled face and a very good sense of smell