black dog

American  

noun

Informal.

1. melancholy; despondency; the blues.

   The black dog is over him.

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black dog British  

noun

1. informal depression or melancholy

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Etymology

Origin of black dog

First recorded in 1700–10

Example Sentences

The door would shut, the black dog would guard it on the other side, and who knew how long it would be before it opened again?

From Literature

He could almost sense the black dog waiting for him to knock, and if he did, there was no telling what the dog would do.

From Literature

His mom had made it to the kitchen, but the black dog followed her and stayed by her side all night.

From Literature

His mother only drank some coffee, but she did say thank you for the food, which quieted down the black dog’s growling for a bit.

From Literature

He heard the claws of the black dog tip-tapping along the floor, following her.

From Literature