variants
or less commonly lap dog
plural lapdogs also lap dogs
1
: a small dog (such as a Chihuahua or Pomeranian) that may be held in the lap
2
: a servile dependent or follower
"We had a choice of being attack dogs or lapdogs," said a G.O.P. lawmaker.—
Jacob V. Lamar
Jacob V. Lamarlap dog politicians
Examples of lapdog in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There are plenty of Scots and Irish in Toronto, but the proceedings are somewhat more civilized, if not a bit Hollywood-twee, what with lapdogs decked out as Michael Keaton’s famous character.
—Guy Martin, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Kan and Noda, both former finance ministers, are now criticized as lapdogs of Tokyo's powerful mandarins, chiefly because of their willingness to raise taxes.
—Takashi Yokota, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2011
On the other hand, toy breeds, like Pomeranians, prefer to be lapdogs, according to the American Kennel Club.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 11 July 2024
The Blenheim Cavalier is a true lapdog: easygoing, obedient, insinuating.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lapdog 
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Guy Martin, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Kan and Noda, both former finance ministers, are now criticized as lapdogs of Tokyo's powerful mandarins, chiefly because of their willingness to raise taxes.
—Takashi Yokota, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2011
On the other hand, toy breeds, like Pomeranians, prefer to be lapdogs, according to the American Kennel Club.
—Olivia Munson, USA TODAY, 11 July 2024
The Blenheim Cavalier is a true lapdog: easygoing, obedient, insinuating.
—David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lapdog
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Dictionary Entries Near lapdog
Cite this Entry
“Lapdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lapdog. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lapdog
noun
lap·dog
ˈlap-ˌdȯg 
: a dog small enough to be held in the lap
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