basset hound

noun

bas·​set hound ˈba-sət- How to pronounce basset hound (audio)
: any of an old breed of short-legged hunting dogs of French origin having very long ears and a short smooth coat

called also basset

Illustration of basset hound

Illustration of basset hound

Examples of basset hound in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The only breeds that need to be cleaned weekly are those with floppier ears that are more prone to getting ear infections, like cocker spaniels or basset hounds. — Molly Higgins, Wired News, 2 Sep. 2025 Since her adoption, Winnie shares her home with two dog siblings, a basset hound named Willy and a cocker spaniel named Stewie. — Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Feb. 2026 The American Kennel Club says basset hounds are just behind bloodhounds as the dog breed with the best sense of smell. — Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 25 Dec. 2024 But Jenny heard Lauren yelling and comparing Jenny’s child to her elderly basset hound. — Jeanne Phillips, Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for basset hound

Word History

Etymology

French basset, from Middle French, from basset short, from bas low — more at base entry 3

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of basset hound was in 1851

Rhymes for basset hound

See All Rhymes for basset hound

Browse Nearby Words

basset horn
basset hound
bassetite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Basset hound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basset%20hound. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

basset hound

noun
bas·​set hound ˈbas-ət- How to pronounce basset hound (audio)
: any of an old French breed of short-legged long-eared hunting dogs

called also basset

More from Merriam-Webster on basset hound

Nglish: Translation of basset hound for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about basset hound

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