basset hound

noun

bas·​set hound ˈba-sət- How to pronounce basset hound (audio)
: any of an old breed of short-legged hunting dogs of French origin having very long ears and a short smooth coat

called also basset

Illustration of basset hound

Illustration of basset hound

Examples of basset hound 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.
And there were several in attendance at the Humane Society event including: Cooper, a 10-year-old terrier mix; Buster, an 8-year-old Labrador retriever; and Oliver, a 4-year-old basset hound. Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 26 July 2024 According to Purina, some of the most vocal dog breeds include the basset hound, beagle, chihuahua and foxhound, with goldens not making the list at all. David Faris, Newsweek, 10 July 2024 The family’s newest pet joins their basset hound Pearl, French bulldog Penny, Petey the poodle, and the most recent addition to the canine clique is Pebbles. Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024 Attendees included the pair's son Charlie, their two basset hounds and David's daughter Coco. Sarah Title, Peoplemag, 24 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for basset hound 

Word History

Etymology

French basset, from Middle French, from basset short, from bas low — more at base entry 3

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basset hound was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near basset hound

Cite this Entry

“Basset hound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basset%20hound. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

basset hound

noun
bas·​set hound ˈbas-ət- How to pronounce basset hound (audio)
: any of an old French breed of short-legged long-eared hunting dogs

called also basset

More from Merriam-Webster on basset hound

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!