Definition

1. Noun:
   • A specific breed of dog: A bloodhound is a large, powerful breed of scent hound originally developed in Europe. It is characterized by its exceptional sense of smell, loose skin, long ears, and a solemn expression. It is traditionally used for tracking by scent.

Usage

• The primary use of the word "bloodhound" is to refer to the dog breed itself.
• It can be used metaphorically to describe a person who is very skilled at finding or investigating things, due to the breed's renowned tracking ability.

Examples

• Literal (Breed):
  • The police used a bloodhound to follow the suspect's trail through the woods.
  • Bloodhounds are known for their gentle temperament and incredible noses.
• Metaphorical (Person):
  • That reporter is a real bloodhound when it comes to uncovering corruption.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a bloodhound's nose for something": To have an exceptional ability to detect or find something.
  • The editor has a bloodhound's nose for grammatical errors.

Variants and Related Words

• Hound: A general term for a type of dog used for hunting, often by scent or sight. A bloodhound is a type of hound.
• Scent hound: A category of hounds that hunt primarily by scent rather than sight. The bloodhound is a premier example of a scent hound.

Synonyms

• Tracker: (when referring to its function) A person or animal that follows tracks.
• Sleuth: (in the metaphorical sense) A detective or investigator.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• Like a bloodhound on the trail/scent: Behaving with singular determination and skill in pursuing an objective.
  • The auditor was like a bloodhound on the trail of the missing funds.

Noun

1. a breed of large powerful hound of European origin having very acute smell and used in tracking