lapdog

noun

lap·​dog ˈlap-ˌdȯg How to pronounce lapdog (audio)
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
lap dog politicians

Examples of lapdog 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.
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 

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lapdog was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near lapdog

Cite this Entry

“Lapdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lapdog. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

lapdog

noun
lap·​dog ˈlap-ˌdȯg How to pronounce lapdog (audio)
: a dog small enough to be held in the lap

More from Merriam-Webster on lapdog

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