Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tall, slender dog of an ancient breed: A type of dog characterized by a lean, aerodynamic body, deep chest, and long legs, originally bred for coursing game and noted for its exceptional speed and keen eyesight.
   • A dog used for racing: Specifically refers to dogs of this breed that compete in greyhound racing, a sport where dogs chase a mechanical lure around a track.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The greyhound is one of the fastest dog breeds in the world.
  • We adopted a retired racing greyhound, and he is the gentlest pet.
  • In ancient Egypt, greyhounds were often depicted in art and were highly valued.

Advanced Usage

• "As fast as a greyhound": Used as a simile to describe something or someone that is extremely swift.

  • The new sports car is as fast as a greyhound.

• "The greyhound of the seas": A historical or poetic term for a very fast ship, particularly an ocean liner.

  • The new steamship was hailed as the greyhound of the seas for its record-breaking speed.

Variants and Related Words

• Greyhound racing (noun phrase): The sport of racing greyhounds.

  • Greyhound racing is a popular but controversial sport in some countries.

• Italian Greyhound (noun phrase): A much smaller breed, resembling a miniature greyhound.

  • The Italian Greyhound is a tiny, elegant dog, but it is a distinct breed from the standard greyhound.

Synonyms

• Sighthound: A category of hounds that hunt primarily by sight and speed, which includes the greyhound, whippet, and saluki.
• Racer: In the specific context of a dog that competes in races.

Related Phrases

• To run like a greyhound: To run with great speed and grace.
  • The midfielder ran like a greyhound to intercept the pass.

Idioms

• "Every dog has its day, and every greyhound its course": A variant of the common idiom, suggesting that even the fastest or most skilled will have their moment of success or their predetermined path.
  • He finally won a major tournament. Well, every greyhound has its course.

Noun

1. a tall slender dog of an ancient breed noted for swiftness and keen sight; used as a racing dog