poodle

[ pood-l ]

noun

1. one of a breed of notably intelligent dogs, having thick frizzy or curly hair usually trimmed in standard patterns, and occurring in three varieties ( standard poodle, miniature poodle, and toy poodle ) that differ in size:

   What I miss most about our old place are the six big poodles who live at the herb farm next door.

poodle

/ ˈpuːdəl /

noun

1. a breed of dog, with varieties of different sizes, having curly hair, which is often clipped from ribs to tail for showing: originally bred to hunt waterfowl
2. a person who is servile; lackey

Word History and Origins

Origin of poodle¹

First recorded in 1770–75; from German Pudel, short for Pudelhund, equivalent to pudel(n) “to splash” + Hund “dog”; puddle, hound ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of poodle¹

C19: from German Pudel, short for Pudelhund, from pudeln to splash + Hund dog; the dogs were formerly trained as water dogs; see puddle , hound ¹

Example Sentences

Genes could explain some of the differences between, say, the behaviors of poodles and chihuahuas.

From Science News For Students

She looked me up and down, turned on her little poodle skirt, and walked away.

From Time

It was a little before noon, and I had just come back from a long, sun-soaked walk with my now 15-year-old poodle Maddy, when my phone rang.

From Time

It’s possible Ted brought the poodle back from Cancun with him, or that a family member was staying behind to take care of the dog.

From Washington Post

If, on the other hand, you have a border collie or a poodle, their abilities may only be limited by your imagination and your dedication to playing with them.

From Popular-Science

Just yesterday I claimed a local deli, a small poodle and a Bed, Bath and Beyond.

From The Daily Beast

And then there is Marissa; Annabelle says Marissa is like a poodle, “probably pink.”

From The Daily Beast

But the waitresses are wearing red poodle skirts and polka-dotted shirts and look more Pleasantville than prohibition.

From The Daily Beast

Our concierge and his wife walked among them, with their black poodle, keeping order; some couples were waltzing on the sidewalk.

From The Daily Beast

Before they ran off, one of the men shot and wounded the family poodle, and then were seen fleeing with Ayvani in a gray Dodge.

From The Daily Beast

As he spoke, King Loc, grave and tender, had something of the gentle beauty of a majestic poodle.

From Project Gutenberg

When he was set free, however, the poodle seemed restless and ill at ease, and after two or three days he disappeared entirely.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Ranny asked with an enthusiasm hitherto reserved for her poodle.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he went away to his own country, and the poodle had to run after him.

From Project Gutenberg

The biggest poodle wore a ruby in his collar worth five hundred dollars.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• beagle