Great Dane

noun

: any of a breed of tall massive powerful smooth-coated dogs

Examples of Great Dane 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.
Owen Wilson Has Always Been A Dog Lover Having starred in the heartfelt 2008 canine classic Marley & Me, as well as voicing the title character of the Great Dane in the 2010 live-action animal adventure Marmaduke, Owen Wilson is certainly no stranger to being a central character in dog movies. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026 However, a Great Dane–Poodle mix like Oakley is still relatively rare, but doodle-type dogs overall are increasingly showing up in shelters. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025 The Great Dane’s time in Colorado is over, and a midfield mainstay may follow suit. Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 31 Oct. 2025 Photographer and comedian Xander DePascale became a regular after visiting with Fitz, his Great Dane. Avery Stone, HollywoodReporter, 29 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Great Dane

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Great Dane was in 1774

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Great Dane.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Great%20Dane. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

Great Dane

noun
: any of a breed of very tall powerful smooth-coated dogs

More from Merriam-Webster on Great Dane

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!