dog tag

noun

1. a small disk or strip attached to a dog's harness or collar stating owner, home, etc.

2. identification tag.

3. Informal.

   1. any tag for a suitcase, camera, or other personal possession with the owner's name or address.

   2. a tag or card with a person's name or affiliation, worn at conventions, large meetings, etc.

dog tag

noun

1. slang,  a military personal-identification disc

Word History and Origins

Origin of dog tag¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

In October, Yourex posted a photo of Maya’s dog tag and a vote-by-mail ballot with the caption, “Maya is still getting her ballot,” even though the dog had passed away.

From Los Angeles Times

The bullet to his spine was partially deflected by his dog tag, which Park believes is the reason he wasn’t paralyzed.

From Los Angeles Times

His wife lost the military fatigues her father wore when he was killed in Iraq, though the couple recovered his dog tags and “challenge coin.”

From Los Angeles Times

Her next memory, she told police, was lying on a bed or couch with Hegseth’s dog tags hovering over her face.

From Los Angeles Times

The alleged victim told police her next memory was being underneath Hegseth in his hotel room with the ex-National Guardsman’s dog tags dangling over her face.

From Salon

Related Words

• description 
• passport 
• recognition 
• testimony