noun

mastiff

MAS-tif

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Mastiff (noun) means a breed of large, powerful, deep-chested dog with a smooth coat, traditionally kept as a watchdog or guard dog. Example: “The mastiff lay across the doorway like a living barricade.”

noun

A breed of large, powerful, deep-chested dog with a smooth coat, traditionally kept as a watchdog or guard dog.

"The mastiff lay across the doorway like a living barricade."

"Their old mastiff still barks at every visitor to the yard."

"Mastiffs were bred over centuries for size and strength rather than speed."

How to use mastiff

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA big, strong dog breed traditionally used to guard homes and property.

When to use it

An everyday word used both in general speech and in formal breed descriptions.

Memory tip

The related word mastic (a resin) sounds similar but has nothing to do with dogs, so keep the spellings apart.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a guard mastiff an English mastiff a mastiff's bark

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “mastiff” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ lay across the doorway like a living barricade.

Etymology

Mastiff developed from Middle English mastif, itself an altered form influenced by Old French mestif, drawing on Old French mastin. That word traces back through Vulgar Latin to the Latin mansuetus, meaning tamed.

Origin: Old French

Frequently asked questions

What is a mastiff?

A mastiff is a large, powerfully built dog breed with a smooth coat, historically used for guarding property.

What is the plural of mastiff?

The usual plural is mastiffs, though the archaic form mastives is also recorded.

What were mastiffs originally bred for?

They were bred chiefly as watchdogs and guard dogs, valued for their strength and deep chest.

What is the meaning of mastiff?

"mastiff" (noun) means a breed of large, powerful, deep-chested dog with a smooth coat, traditionally kept as a watchdog or guard dog.