whippet

American  

[whip-it, wip-] / ˈwhɪp ɪt, ˈwɪp- /

noun

1. one of a breed of small, swift dogs resembling a greyhound, used for hunting rabbits and for racing.

2. Also called whippet tank.  a fast, light tank used by the British in World War I.

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whippet British  

/ ˈwɪpɪt /

noun

1. a small slender breed of dog similar to a greyhound in appearance

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Etymology

Origin of whippet

First recorded in 1490–1500; perhaps alteration of phrase whip it move briskly

Example Sentences

The whippet came out of retirement for the event, and claimed Reserve Best for the third time.

From BBC • Feb. 12, 2025

A long-limbed Brazilian broke free from the two greatest runners in his event’s history, and an American stole a bronze medal as the unbeatable whippet known as “The Terminator” faded to seventh.

From Washington Post • Jul. 20, 2022

Instead, she found herself sequestered in a Gothic-style house, built in 1872, with her sister Judy, other family members and an aging rescue whippet named Bean.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2022

A Pekingese named Wasabi won best in show, beating out a whippet, a French bulldog, an old English sheepdog, a German shorthaired pointer, a Samoyed and a West Highland white terrier.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 29, 2021

Blade thin, six feet in height, straight as a sapling, bright eyed, taut; even motionless he seemed whippet quick.

From "The Princess Bride" by William Goldman