German shepherd

noun

: any of a breed of working dogs of German origin that are intelligent and responsive and are often used in police work and as guide dogs for the blind

called also Alsatian

Word History

First Known Use

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of German shepherd was in 1852

Dictionary Entries Near German shepherd

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

German shepherd

noun
: any of a breed of large erect-eared intelligent dogs of German origin that are often used in police work and as guide dogs for the blind

More from Merriam-Webster on German shepherd

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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