Boston terrier

noun

: any of a breed of small smooth-coated terriers originating as a cross of the bulldog and bull terrier and being brindled or black with white markings

called also Boston bull

Examples of Boston terrier 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 climate is also hard on squishy-faced dogs such as bulldogs and Boston terriers, who pant and overheat easily as temperatures rise. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2025 The surgery helps alleviate the breathing difficulties of brachycephalic dog breeds—like English bulldogs, pugs and Boston terriers—an article from the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine said. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Aug. 2025 The book shares the true tale of her granddaughter and great-grandchildren’s beloved Boston terrier who traveled with them around the world, including stops in Sweden, Hong Kong, Toronto, Beverly Hills and, perhaps most importantly, grandma’s house in San Diego. Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025 Bully breed is a generic term for a variety of terrier-type dogs like American pit bull terriers, bull terriers, bullmastiffs, Staffordshire terriers, Boston terriers, boxers and French bulldogs. Lisa Bloch, Mercury News, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for Boston terrier

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Boston terrier was in 1892

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Cite this Entry

“Boston terrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Boston%20terrier. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

Boston terrier

noun
: any of a U.S. breed of small short-haired dogs having erect ears and a broad flat face

called also Boston bull

More from Merriam-Webster on Boston terrier

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