noun
dogfight
DOG-fyt
Dogfight (noun) means a close, fast-moving aerial battle between fighter aircraft. Example: “The pilot described the dogfight over the channel as the most intense of the war.”
noun
1
A close, fast-moving aerial battle between fighter aircraft.
"The pilot described the dogfight over the channel as the most intense of the war."
verb
1
To fight another aircraft in close aerial combat.
"The two jets dogfought for several minutes before one broke off."
How to use dogfight
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn air battle between fighter planes at close range.
Common pairings
aerial dogfight
engage in a dogfight
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Word forms
- Plural
- dogfights
- Third person singular
- dogfights
- Past tense
- dogfought
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The pilot described the _____ over the channel as the most intense of the war.
Etymology
From "dog" + "fight," likening the frantic, snapping maneuvers to two dogs fighting.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “dogfight” mean?
The word “dogfight” means a close, fast-moving aerial battle between fighter aircraft. In plain terms, an air battle between fighter planes at close range.
How do you pronounce “dogfight”?
“Dogfight” is pronounced DOG-fyt ([ˈdɔɡ.fʌɪt] in IPA).
How do you use “dogfight” in a sentence?
Here is “dogfight” used in a sentence: “The pilot described the dogfight over the channel as the most intense of the war.”
What part of speech is “dogfight”?
Depending on how it is used, “dogfight” can be a noun and a verb.
How many meanings does “dogfight” have?
“Dogfight” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a close, fast-moving aerial battle between fighter aircraft.
