bloodhound

noun

blood·​hound ˈbləd-ˌhau̇nd How to pronounce bloodhound (audio)
1
: any of a breed of large powerful hounds of European origin remarkable for acuteness of smell
2
: a person keen in pursuit

Illustration of bloodhound

Illustration of bloodhound
  • bloodhound 1

Examples of bloodhound in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Breeds in the hound group include bloodhounds, dachshunds, and greyhounds. Ryan Canfield, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025 However, beagles found the hidden food quicker than border collies, basset/bloodhounds, golden retrievers, Labradors, and cocker spaniels. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 6 Feb. 2025 Cory’s constant companions are his dogs trained to find bodies — Alice, a grave bloodhound, and Rex, a happy springer spaniel. Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 16 Feb. 2025 That's on top of dozens of weapon arts, including bloodhound step, seppuku, rancor slash, and Hoarah Loux's earthshaker, which are applied to corresponding weapons by default and triggered by holding LT while double-handing them. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bloodhound

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bloodhound was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Bloodhound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bloodhound. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

bloodhound

noun
blood·​hound ˈbləd-ˌhau̇nd How to pronounce bloodhound (audio)
: any of a breed of large powerful hounds with a wrinkled face and a very good sense of smell

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