Definition of terrier
: any of various usually small energetic dogs originally used by hunters to dig for small game and engage the quarry underground or drive it out
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Recent Examples of terrier from the Web
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The maturity of Sam’s outlook is perhaps best illustrated by his reflection on the unexpected slaying of his wire-hair terrier.
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Aggressive nature Neighbors of the two Hanover residents said the Staffordshire terrier was very aggressive and had to wear a muzzle.
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The 26 breeds represented range from retrievers and rottweilers to terriers (Scottish, cairn and Jack Russell), pugs and Pomeranians.
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As riders glared and stood in the aisle, a tiny terrier kept its own seat beside its owner on a crowded Metro bus in Seattle.
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The Glen Allen, Virginia, resident, who is described as an animal lover, had recently moved out of her family home, but went back each day to walk her 2-year-old pit bull terriers Tonka and Pacman.
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The smaller dog is relatively quiet, but the larger terrier-mutt barks anytime it’s outside.
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The owner Alessio has incredible personal style, as does his pitbull terrier Carmela.
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The shaggy terrier-poodle mix had been lodged in the Cleveland City Kennel since the evening of Feb. 7, when officers from the University Circle Police Department pulled it to safety.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'terrier.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of terrier
Origin and Etymology of terrier
Middle English terryer, terrer, from Anglo-French (chen) terrer, literally, earth dog, from terre earth, from Latin terra
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First Known Use: 15th century
in the meaning defined above
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Definition of terrier for English Language Learners
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: a type of small dog originally used for hunting
TERRIER Defined for Kids
Definition of terrier for Students
: a usually small dog originally used by hunters to force animals from their holes
History for terrier
Terriers were first used in hunting. Their job was to dig for small animals and force them from their holes. The word terrier comes from a medieval French phrase chen terrer (or chien terrier), literally, “earth dog.” The terr- in terrier comes ultimately from Latin terra, “earth.”
Learn More about terrier
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See words that rhyme with terrier Spanish Central: Translation of terrier Nglish: Translation of terrier for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about terrier
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