noun
Uncommon
terrier
TEH-ree-uh
Terrier (noun) means any of various small, energetic dog breeds originally bred to hunt burrowing animals. Example: “The terrier dug furiously at the rabbit hole.”
noun
1
Any of various small, energetic dog breeds originally bred to hunt burrowing animals.
"The terrier dug furiously at the rabbit hole."
"Jack Russell terriers are known for their high energy."
2
A person who pursues something with tenacity, like a terrier chasing prey.
"She's a real terrier when it comes to chasing down late payments."
How to use terrier
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, feisty dog breed, or figuratively someone who won't let go of a task.
Common pairings
Jack Russell terrier
terrier breed
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Word forms
- Plural
- terriers
Fill the gap
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The _____ dug furiously at the rabbit hole.
Etymology
From Old French chien terrier, "earth dog," from terre, "earth" — a reference to the breed's habit of digging into burrows after prey.
Rhymes for terrier
See all rhymes for terrier →Frequently asked questions
What does “terrier” mean?
The word “terrier” means any of various small, energetic dog breeds originally bred to hunt burrowing animals. In plain terms, a small, feisty dog breed, or figuratively someone who won't let go of a task.
How do you pronounce “terrier”?
“Terrier” is pronounced TEH-ree-uh (/ˈtɛɹiə/ in IPA).
How do you use “terrier” in a sentence?
Here is “terrier” used in a sentence: “The terrier dug furiously at the rabbit hole.”
What part of speech is “terrier”?
“Terrier” is a noun.
Where does the word “terrier” come from?
The word “terrier” comes from Old French. From Old French chien terrier, "earth dog," from terre, "earth" — a reference to the breed's habit of digging into burrows after prey.
Is “terrier” a common word?
“Terrier” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “terrier” have?
“Terrier” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: any of various small, energetic dog breeds originally bred to hunt burrowing animals.
