canine

1 of 2

noun

ca·​nine ˈkā-ˌnīn How to pronounce canine (audio)
 British also  ˈka-
1
[Middle English, from Latin (dens) caninus canine tooth] : a conical pointed tooth
especially : one situated between the lateral incisor and the first premolar see tooth illustration
2
: dog sense 1b
broadly : canid

canine

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of or resembling that of a dog
canine loyalty
2
: of or relating to dogs or to the family (Canidae) including the canids
canine diseases

Did you know?

Dogs are prized for their talents and intelligence but aren't always given credit for their independence. Instead, tales of canine devotion and attachment are legendary; the old Lassie and Rin-Tin-Tin television series featured at least one heroic act of devotion per show. So we often hear people described as having "doglike devotion" or "doglike loyalty". But canine itself, unlike doglike, usually refers to four-legged creatures. Canine is not only an adjective but also a noun. Dogs and their relatives in the Canidae family—the wolves, jackals, foxes, and coyotes—are often called canines. And so are those two slightly pointed teeth a bit to the right and left of your front teeth.

Examples of canine in a Sentence

Noun in the minds of some, the winner of this prestigious dog show has a fair claim to the title of King of the Canines
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The breed is now are a lightning rod for canine controversy and cultural critique. Jennifer Peltz, Fortune, 20 Mar. 2024 In addition to canines that are family pets, the parasite can also latch on to raccoons, marsh rabbits, dogs, horses, nutria, bobcats, mountain lions, opossums, and other mammals. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024 Woman fosters obese dog; throngs of fans watch canine lose weight Staff at the shelter had developed a soft spot for Jihoo. Sydney Page, Washington Post, 6 Mar. 2024 Snoop plays a pivotal role in her defense, but the canine performer portraying him hasn’t let his moment in the spotlight go to his fluffy head. Courtney Howard, Variety, 20 Feb. 2024 Sightings of the wild canines become more frequent as a pack starts shedding members in preparation of the breeding season. David Montesino, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Feb. 2024 The canine, whom the soldiers have named Tiny Tammy, is unable to use her back legs and is likely to die in the area if aid is not provided to her, Paws of War, an animal protection organization, said in a press release obtained by PEOPLE. Nicholas Rice, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 This video shows Sora has gotten the canine thing down. Tyler Remmel, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2024 The canine was curled at the child’s feet and was wearing a decorative collar and bell—and even had a toy. Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 Feb. 2024
Adjective
Of course, purebreds are only part of the canine population in the U.S., where animal shelters faced an influx of all sorts of dogs last year. CBS News, 20 Mar. 2024 According to the press release, the flatworm can cause canine schistosomiasis, which affects dogs' liver and intestines. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 19 Mar. 2024 It’s filled with canine art and ornaments, some of them for sale. Richard Guzman, Orange County Register, 16 Jan. 2024 Gromit, Wallace and Gromit franchise (1989–present) Sidekick to: Wallace Loyal doesn't even begin to describe the depth of Gromit's canine devotion. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 In a video shared by Amy McLoughlin of Washington Township, New Jersey, the canine perches on the shoulders of Amy's husband, Brian. Erin Clements, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 The 1,000-foot boardwalk takes visitors out onto the water to experience Florida’s natural coastline, and an off-leash dog park invites your canine friends to run free. Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 28 Feb. 2024 Dressed in colorful canine fashion, her little body vibrates with anticipation. Julia Daye, Kansas City Star, 15 Feb. 2024 This year's event will also feature the first-ever canine assistant referee, Whistle. The Enquirer, 11 Feb. 2024

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

Adjective

Latin caninus, from canis dog — more at hound

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of canine was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near canine

Cite this Entry

“Canine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/canine. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

canine

1 of 2 adjective
ca·​nine ˈkā-ˌnīn How to pronounce canine (audio)
: of or relating to dogs or to the family that includes the dogs, wolves, jackals, and foxes

canine

2 of 2 noun
1
: a pointed tooth
especially : one located between the outer incisor and the first premolar
2
Etymology

Adjective

from Latin caninus "having to do with dogs," from canis "dog"

Medical Definition

canine

1 of 2 noun
ca·​nine
ˈkā-ˌnīn, British also ˈkan-ˌīn
1
: a conical pointed tooth
especially : one situated between the lateral incisor and the first premolar
2
: any member of the family Canidae : dog

canine

2 of 2 adjective
: of or relating to dogs or to the family Canidae

More from Merriam-Webster on canine

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