wild dog

noun

: any of various undomesticated canids (such as an African wild dog or a dingo) that resemble the domestic dog

Examples of wild dog 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 young woman’s remains were found encircled by about 10 dingoes, Australia's native wild dogs, on the beach north of Maheno Wreck, Wide Bay District Inspector Paul Algie previously announced in a press conference. Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026 Authorities were trying to determine on Tuesday whether a Canadian woman found dead on a popular Australian beach had been killed by dingoes, which are wild dogs native to the country. CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026 Boating safaris and guided bush walks are also very popular here—look out for elephants, wild dogs, and lions. Elizabeth Gordon, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025 Where lions kill quickly, wild dogs devour their prey alive, one bite at a time. AFAR Media, 30 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for wild dog

Word History

First Known Use

1786, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wild dog was in 1786

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wild dog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wild%20dog. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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!