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

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."

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

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 notes

In 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

Word forms

basseted past tense, bassets plural, Bassets plural, bassets singular

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The _____ ambled slowly across the yard, nose to the ground.

Etymology

From French "basset," meaning "rather low," referring to the dog's short legs.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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crop out basset hound

Rhymes for basset

asset

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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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Words with French origins