Boston terrier

noun

: any of a breed of small smooth-coated terriers originating as a cross of the bulldog and bull terrier and being brindled or black with white markings

called also Boston bull

Examples of Boston terrier in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dogs with exaggerated physical traits, such as floppy ears and the short, squashed muzzles of pugs and Boston terriers, fared worst at expressing themselves with their faces alone, according to a study in Scientific Reports. Lori Youmshajekian, Scientific American, 19 July 2024 The couple knew Doug was ready too, after watching the pug quickly befriend a dog the family was pet-sitting, Birdie the Boston terrier. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 4 June 2024 Two Boston terriers were also in the car, the arrest report stated. Mirna Alsharif, NBC News, 18 Mar. 2024 Two Boston terriers were in the backseat but were rescued, and the woman was taken into custody. Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Boston terrier 

Word History

First Known Use

1892, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Boston terrier was in 1892

Dictionary Entries Near Boston terrier

Cite this Entry

“Boston terrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Boston%20terrier. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Boston terrier

noun
: any of a U.S. breed of small short-haired dogs having erect ears and a broad flat face

called also Boston bull

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