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water spaniel

American

noun

either of two breeds of spaniels, used for retrieving waterfowl.

water spaniel British

noun

either of two large curly-coated breeds of spaniel (the Irish and the American), which are used for hunting waterfowl See also Irish water spaniel

"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

Etymology

Origin of water spaniel

First recorded in 1560–70

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The first litter of golden retrievers was born in 1868 to a Tweed water spaniel, a breed now extinct, and yellow wavy-coated retriever.

From BBC • Jul. 12, 2023

The Irish water spaniel, wire fox terrier, Labrador, and basset hound also sport mugs that are scientifically proven to pull at our heartstrings.

From Salon • Jun. 27, 2022

The Irish water spaniel, looking a bit nervous, has been sent away by the judge!

From New York Times • Feb. 11, 2020

The Irish water spaniel Gloi Donn All or Nothing at Stanegate, also known as Luther, for the actor Idris Elba, wins best gundog.

From The Guardian • Mar. 23, 2019

A water spaniel or Newfoundland dog will be more effective.

From British Birds in their Haunts by Johns, Rev. C. A.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023