Portuguese water dog

noun

: any of a breed of medium-sized robust dogs that have a large broad head and curly or wavy coat and are strong swimmers

Examples of Portuguese water 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 outlet reports that the Portuguese water dog, Betty, was found by a cleaner in a plastic storage bin in a bathtub. — Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025 The black and white Portuguese water dog, who joined the first family in the White House in April 2009, was the last presidential pet before President Joe Biden's dogs, Major and Champ, joined the White House earlier this year. — Mark Osborne, ABC News, 8 May 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Portuguese water dog was in 1939

Rhymes for Portuguese water dog

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Browse Nearby Words

portuguese red
Portuguese water dog
portulaca
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Cite this Entry

“Portuguese water dog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Portuguese%20water%20dog. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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