noun
Uncommon
hog
hog
Hog (noun) means a domestic pig, especially a full-grown one raised for meat. Example: “The farmer kept forty hogs in the barn behind the house.”
noun
1
A domestic pig, especially a full-grown one raised for meat.
"The farmer kept forty hogs in the barn behind the house."
"Prices for hogs at market had risen sharply that autumn."
2
A greedy person who takes far more than their fair share of something.
"Don't be such a hog — leave some pizza for everyone else."
"He's a total hog when it comes to the office snacks."
3
Informal: a large, heavy motorcycle, especially a Harley-Davidson.
"He rode into town on his hog, engine rumbling."
verb
1
To take or use more than one's fair share; to monopolize.
"Stop hogging the remote and let someone else pick a show."
"She hogged the conversation all night, barely letting anyone else speak."
How to use hog
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAs a noun, a pig — or someone greedy. As a verb, to selfishly take up more than your share.
Common mistake
In British English "hog" as a noun mostly means a pig raised for meat or a greedy person; as a verb ("to hog something") it works the same way on both sides of the Atlantic.
Common pairings
hog the spotlight
hog the bathroom
road hog
raise hogs
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Word forms
- Plural
- hogs
- Third person singular
- hogs
- Past tense
- hogged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The farmer kept forty _____ in the barn behind the house.
Etymology
From Old English hogg, of uncertain origin — possibly linked to a Germanic root meaning "to cut" (an old hog was originally a castrated pig), or possibly borrowed from an early Celtic word for pig.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “hog” mean?
The word “hog” means a domestic pig, especially a full-grown one raised for meat. In plain terms, as a noun, a pig — or someone greedy. As a verb, to selfishly take up more than your share.
How do you pronounce “hog”?
“Hog” is pronounced hog (/hɔɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “hog” in a sentence?
Here is “hog” used in a sentence: “The farmer kept forty hogs in the barn behind the house.”
What part of speech is “hog”?
Depending on how it is used, “hog” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “hog” come from?
The word “hog” comes from Old English. From Old English hogg, of uncertain origin — possibly linked to a Germanic root meaning "to cut" (an old hog was originally a castrated pig), or possibly borrowed from an early Celtic word for pig.
Is “hog” a common word?
“Hog” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “hog” have?
“Hog” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a domestic pig, especially a full-grown one raised for meat.
What is the difference between a hog and a pig?
A hog specifically refers to a domestic pig, especially a full-grown one raised for meat, while "pig" is the broader general term covering the animal at any age or purpose. In everyday speech the two words are often used interchangeably, but "hog" leans toward the mature, meat-raising sense.
What does it mean to "hog" something, like hogging the road?
Used as a verb, to hog something means to take or use far more than one's fair share, monopolizing it for oneself. "Hogging the road" describes a driver who takes up more space than they should, at the expense of others.
Why is a large motorcycle sometimes called a hog?
In informal usage, "hog" refers to a large, heavy motorcycle, especially a Harley-Davidson, likely evoking the bulk and weight of the animal. This slang sense is distinct from the literal meaning of hog as a pig.
