cairn terrier

noun

: any of a breed of small compactly built hard-coated terriers of Scottish origin

Examples of cairn terrier 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.
Inya — a chihuahua and miniature pinscher mix rescued by NAGI Foundation — and Phoenix — a cairn terrier mix rescued from Arizona Humane Society — will represent Team Fluff and face off against Team Ruff during Animal Planet's annual TV event on Sunday, Feb. 12. Kimi Robinson, The Arizona Republic, 1 Feb. 2023 Three Scottish terriers and one cairn terrier — Archie McPhee, Mustang Sally, Boo and Mason — were reunited with their Washington owners after someone stole the van that was about to transport them to the Rose City Classic Winter Dog Show, Portland police said Sunday. oregonlive, 22 Jan. 2023 Some pet owners swear the following breeds generally exhibit ADHD symptoms more frequently than other dog breeds; Jack Russel Terrier, German Shepherd, and cairn terrier. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2022 Charlie, an 18-month-old Yorkie-cairn terrier mix, was one of many first-timers at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco on Monday night. New York Times, 20 Mar. 2018

Word History

Etymology

from its use in hunting among cairns

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cairn terrier was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near cairn terrier

Cite this Entry

“Cairn terrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cairn%20terrier. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on cairn terrier

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!