Terrier
/ˈtɛɹiə/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA dog from a group of small, lively breeds, originally bred for the hunting of burrowing prey such as rats, rabbits, foxes, and even otters; this original function is reflected in some of their names (e.g. rat terrier).
nounSomeone displaying terrier-like qualities such as determined pursuit.
Sentence Examples
She entered her terrier in a dog show.
My cat lives with a fox terrier.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The small dog breed known for digging holes in the yard is called a ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The energetic little ____ was barking loudly and chasing its favorite rubber ball around the sunny garden today.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Middle French, from Old French chien terrier (“terrier dog”), from chien (“dog”) + Old French terrier (“of earth”, adjective), from Medieval Latin terrarius (“of earth”), from Latin terra (“earth”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"One of the LNER dispatch staff is a terrier when it comes to masks, challenging anyone without them."
— 2020 November 4, Paul Bigland, “At no point have I felt unsafe...”, in Rail, page 47:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The small dog breed known for digging holes in the yard is called a ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The energetic little ____ was barking loudly and chasing its favorite rubber ball around the sunny garden today.