dog: Meaning and Definition of

dog

1. a domesticated canid, Canis familiaris, bred in many varieties.
2. any carnivore of the dogfamily Canidae, having prominent canine teeth and, in the wild state, a long and slender muzzle, a deep-chested muscular body, a bushy tail, and large, erect ears. Cf. canid.
3. the male of such an animal.
4. any of various animals resembling a dog.
5. a despicable man or youth.
6. a fellow in general: a lucky dog.
7. feet.
8. That used car you bought is a dog.
1. something worthless or of extremely poor quality:That used car you bought is a dog.
2. an utter failure; flop:Critics say his new play is a dog.
9. an ugly, boring, or crude person.
10. See
11. (cap.)either of two constellations, Canis Major or Canis Minor.
1. any of various mechanical devices, as for gripping or holding something.
2. a projection on a moving part for moving steadily or for tripping another part with which it engages.
13. Also calleda device on a drawbench for drawing the work through the die.
14. a cramp binding together two timbers.
15. an iron bar driven into a stone or timber to provide a means of lifting it.
16. an andiron; firedog.
17. a sundog or fogdog.
18. a word formerly used in communications to represent the letter D.
19. to deteriorate; degenerate morally or physically: This neighborhood is going to the dogs.
20. to have an unhappy or harassed existence: He maintained that he led a dog's life in the army.
21. to refrain from action that would alter an existing situation for fear of causing greater problems or complexities.
22. to assume an attitude of wealth or importance; put on airs.

1. to follow or track like a dog, esp. with hostile intent; hound.
2. to drive or chase with a dog or dogs.
3. to fasten with dogs.
4. a sponsor who dogged it when needed most.
1. to shirk one's responsibility; loaf on the job.
2. to retreat, flee, renege, etc.:a sponsor who dogged it when needed most.