definitions

bird-dog

[ burd-dawg, -dog ]
/ ˈbɜrdˌdɔg, -ˌdɒg /
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verb (used with object), bird-dogged, bird-dog·ging. Informal.

to follow, watch carefully, or investigate.
to seek out.

verb (used without object), bird-dogged, bird-dog·ging.

Informal. to follow or watch carefully.
Slang. to steal or attempt to steal another person's date.

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RELATED WORDS

investigate, pursue, shadow, tail, track, trail, watch

Nearby words

bird's-nest orchid, bird's-nest soup, bird-brained, bird-breeder's lung, bird-catcher tree, bird-dog, bird-footed dinosaur, bird-nesting, bird-of-paradise, bird-of-paradise flower, bird-voiced tree frog

Origin of bird-dog

v. use of bird dog

Definition for bird-dog (2 of 2)

bird dog

noun

one of any of various breeds of dogs trained to hunt or retrieve birds.
Informal. a person hired to locate special items or people, especially a talent scout who seeks out promising athletes.
Slang. a person who steals another person's date.

Origin of bird dog

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for bird-dog

British Dictionary definitions for bird-dog

bird dog

/ US and Canadian /

noun

hunting a dog used or trained to retrieve game birds after they are shot

verb bird-dog -dogs, -dogging or -dogged

informal to control closely with unceasing vigilance
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012