noun
basset
BA-siht
Basset (noun) means a short-legged, long-eared breed of hound known for its keen sense of smell and droopy face. Example: “The basset ambled slowly across the yard, nose to the ground.”
noun
1
A short-legged, long-eared breed of hound known for its keen sense of smell and droopy face.
"The basset ambled slowly across the yard, nose to the ground."
2
In geology, the point where a rock layer reaches the surface; an outcrop.
"Geologists mapped the basset of the coal seam along the hillside."
verb
1
For a rock layer to slope upward until it reaches the surface.
"The vein bassets near the old quarry entrance."
How to use basset
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly means a short-legged hound breed (short for "basset hound"); in geology it describes where an underground rock layer surfaces.
Common mistake
The dog breed is properly "basset hound" — "basset" alone is a shortened form used casually.
Common pairings
basset hound
a coal seam bassets
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Word forms
- Plural
- bassets
- Third person singular
- bassets
- Past tense
- basseted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ ambled slowly across the yard, nose to the ground.
Etymology
From French "basset," meaning "rather low," referring to the dog's short legs.
Synonyms
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crop out
basset hound
Rhymes for basset
See all rhymes for basset →Frequently asked questions
What does “basset” mean?
The word “basset” means a short-legged, long-eared breed of hound known for its keen sense of smell and droopy face. In plain terms, most commonly means a short-legged hound breed (short for "basset hound"); in geology it describes where an underground rock layer surfaces.
How do you pronounce “basset”?
“Basset” is pronounced BA-siht (/ˈbæsɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “basset” in a sentence?
Here is “basset” used in a sentence: “The basset ambled slowly across the yard, nose to the ground.”
What part of speech is “basset”?
Depending on how it is used, “basset” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “basset” come from?
The word “basset” comes from French. From French "basset," meaning "rather low," referring to the dog's short legs.
How many meanings does “basset” have?
“Basset” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short-legged, long-eared breed of hound known for its keen sense of smell and droopy face.
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