lapdog
Americannoun
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a small pet dog that can easily be held in the lap.
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a person or group that submits to the influence of another; a servile follower.
Regulatory agencies are supposed to be watchdogs, but some have become lapdogs of the industries they oversee.
noun
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a pet dog small and docile enough to be cuddled in the lap
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informal a person who attaches himself to someone in admiration or infatuation
Etymology
Origin of lapdog
First recorded in 1635–45; lap 1 + dog ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
On several occasions she had a little lapdog with her — I can’t remember the breed — and periodically, if it appeared to be causing trouble, she’d pick it up and hold it.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 14, 2023
One writer, whom Rhodes declined to identify, argued that a well-behaved lapdog would be less distracting than an animal whining from the backseat.
From Washington Times ● Jan. 20, 2023
Holding her lapdog Daisy to her chest, Trotsak looked around at the quiet street with wonder.
From Reuters ● May 4, 2022
This season - granted only 2 episodes - has gotten lost between haute couture and Jamie being a lapdog.
From New York Times ● Apr. 16, 2016
A cigarette holder, a lapdog tucked under one arm and she could have been Cruella De Vil.
From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
