mastiff

noun

mas·​tiff ˈma-stəf How to pronounce mastiff (audio)
: any of a breed of very large massive powerful smooth-coated dogs that are apricot, fawn, or brindle and are often used as guard dogs

Illustration of mastiff

Illustration of mastiff

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The case involved an enormous dog in Nevada named Onion, a 120-pound mastiff-Rhodesian ridgeback mix. BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2022 The case involved an enormous dog in Nevada named Onion, a 120-pound mastiff-Rhodesian ridgeback mix. BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2022 Hey suggests, because a Chihuahua cannot jump high enough to make puppies with a mastiff. Richard Conniff, Discover Magazine, 18 Nov. 2010 Burke County Animal Services ended the post by stating that Billy Bob is a mastiff. Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 18 Nov. 2022 About the Company: Bully Beds is named after the owner’s dog, Bull, a cane corso mastiff. Dallas News, 22 Dec. 2022 The case involved an enormous dog in Nevada named Onion, a 120-pound mastiff-Rhodesian ridgeback mix. BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2022 The case involved an enormous dog in Nevada named Onion, a 120-pound mastiff-Rhodesian ridgeback mix. BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2022 The case involved an enormous dog in Nevada named Onion, a 120-pound mastiff-Rhodesian ridgeback mix. BostonGlobe.com, 30 July 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mastiff.' 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

Middle English mastif, from Medieval Latin mastivus, from Vulgar Latin *masuetivus, from Latin mansuetus tame — more at mansuetude

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near mastiff

Cite this Entry

“Mastiff.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mastiff. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

mastiff

noun
mas·​tiff ˈmas-təf How to pronounce mastiff (audio)
: any of a breed of large powerful smooth-coated dogs often used as watchdogs and guard dogs

More from Merriam-Webster on mastiff

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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