bloodhound

noun

blood·​hound ˈbləd-ˌhau̇nd How to pronounce bloodhound (audio)
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

Illustration of bloodhound
  • bloodhound 1

Examples of bloodhound in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The American Kennel Club says basset hounds are just behind bloodhounds as the dog breed with the best sense of smell. Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024 Some dog breeds, like bloodhounds, are known to have more smell receptors than cats, according to VCA Animal Hospitals, however felines may be able to distinguish between similar scents better than most dogs can. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 May 2025 During the week of March 10, bloodhounds alerted on Yust’s scent near 247th Street and Ridgeview Road during one of several large searches that had taken place since Yust’s disappearance. Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 25 Mar. 2025 But the tourism industry partners with taxpayers the way a tick partners with a bloodhound. Scott Maxwell, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bloodhound

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bloodhound was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Bloodhound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloodhound. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

bloodhound

noun
blood·​hound ˈbləd-ˌhau̇nd How to pronounce bloodhound (audio)
: any of a breed of large powerful hounds with a wrinkled face and a very good sense of smell

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