variants
or less commonly lap dog
plural lapdogs also lap dogs
1
: a small dog (such as a Chihuahua or Pomeranian) that may be held in the lap
2
: a servile dependent or follower
"We had a choice of being attack dogs or lapdogs," said a G.O.P. lawmaker.—
Jacob V. Lamar
Jacob V. Lamarlap dog politicians
Examples of lapdog in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Former Director of Central Intelligence and then Vice President, George H.W. Bush was long considered a lapdog to Reagan, but as the 1988 election approached and the administration faced scandal related to the Iran-Contra affair, Bush was given the chance to stand apart and prove his own strength.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025
Unlike other political appointees, IGs were intended to serve across administrations as watchdogs for the taxpayer, not presidential lapdogs.
—Linda Thompson Gonzalez, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2025
However, the memo shows the contours of this corrupt deal that makes Adams a lapdog for Trump.
—Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2025
As a result, Jolie spent ample time behind the scenes learning commands and giving treats to the movie’s loyal lapdogs.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lapdog 
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Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 15 Feb. 2025
Unlike other political appointees, IGs were intended to serve across administrations as watchdogs for the taxpayer, not presidential lapdogs.
—Linda Thompson Gonzalez, Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2025
However, the memo shows the contours of this corrupt deal that makes Adams a lapdog for Trump.
—Nick Akerman, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2025
As a result, Jolie spent ample time behind the scenes learning commands and giving treats to the movie’s loyal lapdogs.
—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lapdog
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Dictionary Entries Near lapdog
Cite this Entry
“Lapdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lapdog. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lapdog
noun
lap·dog
ˈlap-ˌdȯg 
: a dog small enough to be held in the lap
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