Definition

Noun: 1. A breed of dog: An Irish Setter is a specific breed of gundog, known for its elegant appearance and energetic personality. The breed's most distinctive feature is its long, silky coat, which is a rich, solid color described as chestnut-brown or mahogany-red.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Irish Setter bounded across the field, its red coat gleaming in the sun.
  • They decided to adopt an Irish Setter because of the breed's friendly and outgoing nature.
  • Her Irish Setter won first prize in the sporting group at the dog show.

Advanced Usage

• As a general term for the breed: The term is used to refer to any dog of this specific breed, regardless of its role as a show dog, hunting companion, or family pet.
• In historical context: The breed was developed in Ireland in the 18th century primarily for hunting game birds, a purpose for which it is still used today.

Variants and Related Words

• Setter: A broader category of gundog breeds to which the Irish Setter belongs. Other types include the English Setter and the Gordon Setter.
• Red Setter: A common informal name for the Irish Setter, referring directly to its coat color.

Synonyms

• Red Setter (informal synonym)
• Irish Red Setter (full descriptive name)

Related Phrases and Idioms

• (As) energetic as an Irish Setter: Used informally to describe a person or thing with a very high level of energy and enthusiasm.
  • The children were as energetic as Irish Setters after the party.

Noun

1. an Irish breed with a chestnut-brown or mahogany-red coat