bloodhound

American  

[bluhd-hound] / ˈblʌdˌhaʊnd /

noun

1. one of a breed of medium- to large-sized dogs, usually having a black-and-tan coat, very long ears, loose skin, and an acute sense of smell: used chiefly for following human scents.

2. a person who is a steadfast pursuer.

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bloodhound British  

/ ˈblʌdˌhaʊnd /

noun

1. a large breed of hound having a smooth glossy coat of red, tan, or black and loose wrinkled skin on its head: formerly much used in tracking and police work

2. informal a detective

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Etymology

Origin of bloodhound

First recorded in 1300–50, bloodhound is from the Middle English word blod-hound. See blood, hound ¹

Example Sentences

“We ran as fast as we could, but a bloodhound caught our trail and started barking. Right away Jemma knew that hound dog. And she raced ahead to catch up with your daddy. ‘

From Literature

Bruno, a seven-year-old bloodhound, had been hailed as a hero for finding nine missing people during his career, and was once honoured by Italy's prime minister.

From BBC

A Southern California couple who lost their French bulldog have gone to great lengths over the last two months to find the pooch, resorting to bloodhounds, animal psychics, cash rewards and door-to-door canvasing.

From Los Angeles Times

Then spontaneously one Christmas, while his partner was away visiting family, he went out and bought a pack of bloodhounds.

From BBC

Mister, a bloodhound who won a merit award in his breed Monday, also puts his breed’s ancient instincts to work.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• agent
• informer
• police officer
• private eye
• private investigator
• prosecutor
• reporter
• sleuth
• spy