basset
1 Americannoun
noun
verb (used without object)
noun
noun
verb
Etymology
Origin of basset1
First recorded in 1600–10; from French: noun use of adjective basset “of low stature, short,” equivalent to bass- “low” + -et diminutive suffix; see base 2, -et )
Origin of basset2
First recorded in 1680–90; probably from obsolete French basset “low stool,” noun use of adjective basset; see basset 1
Origin of basset3
First recorded in 1635–45; from French bassette, from Italian bassetta, noun use of feminine of bassetto “somewhat low”; so called because the game is played with low cards; see basset 1
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.
He once described himself as “a basset hound with a 25-watt personality.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 17, 2025
She has a new Burmese kitten, Dino, and a basset hound puppy, Poppy.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2024
But a petit basset griffon Vendéen took best in show for the first time last year, as did a bloodhound in 2022.
From Seattle Times ● May 10, 2024
"Then when Freda died my father himself bought another basset hound, the second Freda, and that was how it all started."
From BBC ● Jul. 8, 2023
Some days he saw mystery everywhere, in earthworms and holly trees and basset hounds, and the inexplicability of even the simplest life so angered and stupefied him that he almost resented any balancing elucidation.
From "Typical American" by Gish Jen
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
