King Charles spaniel

[ king-chahrlz-span-yuhl ]

/ ˈkɪŋ ˈtʃɑrlz ˈspæn yəl /

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noun

one of a breed of small dogs that resemble the closely related cavalier King Charles spaniel, but which are somewhat smaller, have a shorter muzzle, an upturned nose, and sometimes a slight wave or curl to their coat: As is typical of the breed, both of our King Charles spaniels are very playful and affectionate.

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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

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Origin of King Charles spaniel

First recorded in 1895–1900; named after Charles II of England from his liking for this variety

Words nearby King Charles spaniel

kinfolk, king, king bee, kingbird, kingbolt, King Charles spaniel, king closer, king cobra, King Cotton, King Country, king crab

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use King Charles spaniel in a sentence

With her right hand she caresses a little King Charles spaniel perched on the table.
The Standard Galleries - Holland|Esther Singleton
He had large, soft, affectionate brown eyes, like a King Charles spaniel.
Trilby|George Du Maurier
It was a poor little King Charles spaniel, and the duke was beating him with all his might with the heavy handle of a whip.
The Empire of Russia|John S. C. Abbott
The quick-witted child knew just as well then as she did next morning, that the dog—a King Charles spaniel—was intended for her.
Prudy Keeping House|Sophie May

I wonder a woman like that can bear him to come near her, but she pets the baboon as if he were a King Charles spaniel.
Prince Fortunatus|William Black

British Dictionary definitions for King Charles spaniel

King Charles spaniel

noun

a toy breed of spaniel with a short turned-up nose and a domed skull

cavalier King Charles spaniel a similar breed that is slightly larger and has a longer nose

Word Origin for King Charles spaniel

C17: named after Charles II of England, who popularized the breed

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012