noun
spaniel
SPAN-yuhl
noun
1
A type of gun dog with a broad muzzle, long wavy fur, and drooping ears, traditionally bred for hunting.
"Their spaniel loved chasing birds out of the hedges."
"Cocker spaniels are known for their gentle temperament."
How to Use Spaniel
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA floppy-eared hunting dog breed, like a cocker spaniel or springer spaniel.
Common pairings
cocker spaniel
springer spaniel
Word Forms
spanieled past tense, spanielled past tense, spaniels plural, spaniels singular
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Etymology
From Old French espaigneul, meaning roughly "Spanish (dog)," since the breed was associated with Spain.