mastiff

American  

[mas-tif, mah-stif] / ˈmæs tɪf, ˈmɑ stɪf /

noun

1. one of a breed of large, powerful, short-haired dogs having an apricot, fawn, or brindled coat.

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mastiff British  

/ ˈmæstɪf /

noun

1. an old breed of large powerful short-haired dog, usually fawn or brindle with a dark mask

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Etymology

Origin of mastiff

1300–50; Middle English mastif, perhaps extracted from Anglo-French masti ( n ) s (taken as *mastifs ), plural of Old French mastin < Vulgar Latin ( canis ) *ma ( n ) suētīnus, derivative of Latin mansuētus tame, mild ( see mansuetude)

Compare meaning

How does mastiff compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• mastiff vs. bullmastiff

Example Sentences

Britain has donated at least 120 armoured vehicles to Ukraine, including Mastiff patrol vehicles.

From BBC • May 15, 2023

Childers said the man had injuries consistent with an animal attack and two aggressive dogs — a German Shepherd and English Mastiff — were at the home.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 25, 2022

The statement described Mr. Drueke as an avid hiker who before the war had been living on family land in rural western Alabama while hoping to plan “a new adventure” with his Mastiff rescue, Diesel.

From New York Times • Jun. 15, 2022

A male beagle is usually between 14 and 16 inches tall; a male English Mastiff can be as tall as 28 to 36 inches.

From Salon • Jan. 31, 2022

The Assyrian kings possessed a large dog of decided Mastiff type, and used it in the hunting of lions.

From Dogs and All about Them by Leighton, Robert