Dictionary.com
definitions

bird-dog

[ burd-dawg, -dog ]
/ ˈbɜrdˌdɔg, -ˌdɒg /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR bird-dog ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

RELATED CONTENT

Free BirdRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
bird is the wordRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

RELATED WORDS

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

Nearby words

  1. bird's-nest soup,
  2. bird-brain,
  3. bird-brained,
  4. bird-breeder's lung,
  5. bird-catcher tree,
  6. bird-footed dinosaur,
  7. bird-nesting,
  8. bird-of-paradise,
  9. bird-of-paradise flower,
  10. bird-voiced tree frog

Origin of bird-dog

v. use of bird dog

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