greyhound

American  

[grey-hound] / ˈgreɪˌhaʊnd /

Or grayhound

noun

1. one of a breed of tall, slender, short-haired dogs, noted for its keen sight and swiftness.

2. a swift ship, especially a fast ocean liner.

---

greyhound British  

/ ˈɡreɪˌhaʊnd /

noun

1. a tall slender fast-moving dog of an ancient breed originally used for coursing

---

Etymology

Origin of greyhound

before 1000; Middle English greihund, grehund, grihund, Old English grīghund < Old Norse greyhundr; compare Old Norse grey bitch; hound ¹

Compare meaning

How does greyhound compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• Saluki vs. greyhound

Example Sentences

"Welsh government action followed tens of thousands of people signing a petition supporting the phasing out of greyhound racing," it said.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie told parliament that the government was confident that greyhound racing "on oval tracks exposes dogs to significant risks that cannot be eliminated by other measures".

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

The species of crocodylomorph roamed Earth about 215 million years ago during the Triassic period and is believed to have been a fast-moving, land-dwelling predator resembling a "reptilian greyhound".

From BBC • Feb. 17, 2026

In West Memphis: In legal thriller “The Firm,” characters played by Tom Cruise and Ed Harris meet at a greyhound track, now called Southland Casino Racing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026

A white greyhound, with a copper blaze on her forehead.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz