terrier
/'teriə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of small, active dog breed: A terrier is a member of any of various breeds of typically small, energetic dogs originally bred to hunt vermin and small game, often by pursuing them into their burrows or dens.
Usage and Examples
- Noun:
- The Jack Russell terrier chased the squirrel up the tree.
- She owns a feisty Scottish terrier.
- Terriers are known for their bold and tenacious personalities.
Advanced Usage
- "To have a terrier-like determination": This phrase uses the dog's characteristic tenacity as a metaphor for a person's persistent and unwavering attitude.
- In her investigation, she pursued the truth with a terrier-like determination.
Variants and Related Words
- Terrierist (n, informal/humorous): A playful, non-standard term for an owner or enthusiast of terrier dogs.
- Terrier-bred (adj): Describing a dog that comes from a lineage of terriers.
Synonyms
- Vermin dog (archaic/contextual): A historical term referencing the terrier's original hunting purpose.
- Earthdog: A term used in specific dog sports and contexts for breeds that hunt underground.
Related Phrases and Idioms
- "Like a terrier with a rat": An idiom describing someone who grips an idea, problem, or argument very tightly and refuses to let go.
- Once he gets an idea, he worries at it like a terrier with a rat.
Noun
- any of several usually small short-bodied breeds originally trained to hunt animals living underground