bull terrier

noun

: any of a breed of short-haired terriers developed in England by crossing the bulldog with terriers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Law enforcement and animal control officers located the pit bull terrier, which had blood around its face and mouth. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2023 Examples of this group include the West Highland white terrier, Scottish terrier and bull terrier. Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 17 Mar. 2023 The bull terrier bit the boy’s thigh. Bob Sandrick, cleveland, 11 Nov. 2022 At a maximum weight of just over 30 kilograms, about the size of a bull terrier—but reaching maturity at less than two kilograms—skipjack seem unremarkable next to the charismatic and much-desired Pacific bluefin, which can grow to three meters and weigh as much as a large grand piano. Christopher Pollon, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Mar. 2021 Hades the 4-year-old bull terrier mix is back with the Cabada family of Las Vegas, according to the Animal Foundation, a nonprofit shelter that been caring for the pup since a dispute over him led to police involvement. Amanda Lee Myers, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2023 The boy ran after the bull terrier and tried to grab the dog. Bob Sandrick, cleveland, 11 Nov. 2022 An affable artist who mostly resisted commercial offers, Mr. Booth was once asked to draw his trademark bull terrier as a gift for an anonymous celebrity. Robert D. Mcfadden, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2022 For four years, the bull terrier sat in the Cleveland dugout with Indians players during games. Terry Pluto, cleveland, 7 Aug. 2022 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

bulldog + terrier

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bull terrier was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near bull terrier

Cite this Entry

“Bull terrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bull%20terrier. Accessed 29 May. 2023.

Kids Definition

bull terrier

noun
: any of a breed of short-haired terriers developed in England by crossing the bulldog with terriers

More from Merriam-Webster on bull terrier

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!