Irish setter

American  

noun

1. one of an Irish breed of setters having a golden-chestnut or mahogany-red coat.

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Irish setter British  

noun

1. Also called: red setter.  a breed of setter developed in Ireland, having a flat soft brownish-red coat

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Etymology

Origin of Irish setter

First recorded in 1880–85

Compare meaning

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

• English setter vs. Irish setter

Example Sentences

One dog was bred to an Irish setter, and its pups were bred to their canine aunts, uncles, and cousins.

From Slate • Oct. 9, 2023

We loved the layout of the home on a half acre of land, and the sprawling backyard was perfect for the Irish setter we had at the time.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 24, 2023

She told the BBC that they had shared photos of their house and their dog, an Irish setter called Rathlin, with the family as they waited.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2022

A portrait on the grave of Victor Blundon shows him holding his Irish setter on his lap, both staring out at the viewer.

From Washington Post • Oct. 24, 2018

The family also had an Irish setter and an Airedale terrier.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston