Illustration of dachshund
dachshund
noun
dachs·hund
ˈdäks-ˌhu̇nt 
-ˌhu̇nd
-ˌhu̇nd
ˈdäk-sənt;
especially British ˈdak-sənd
: any of a breed of long-bodied, short-legged dogs of German origin that occur in short-haired, long-haired, and wirehaired varieties
Examples of dachshund in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
At the center of it all remained Mimi, Nahmias’ dachshund and the inspiration behind the crochet keychains, as well as the oversize installation positioned near the entrance.
—
Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Several years later, in 1972, the Summer Olympics got its first mascot, with a dachshund named Waldi representing the Munich Games.
—Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Prince Harry's grandmother was a dog lover who owned dozens of corgis during her lifetime and is even credited with inventing the dorgi breed, or dachshund-corgi mix.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 23 Dec. 2025
One day, the wire-haired dachshund mix was home in Antelope.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dachshund
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.
Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Several years later, in 1972, the Summer Olympics got its first mascot, with a dachshund named Waldi representing the Munich Games.
—Aliza Chasan, CBS News, 6 Feb. 2026
Prince Harry's grandmother was a dog lover who owned dozens of corgis during her lifetime and is even credited with inventing the dorgi breed, or dachshund-corgi mix.
—Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 23 Dec. 2025
One day, the wire-haired dachshund mix was home in Antelope.
—Cathie Anderson, Sacbee.com, 14 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dachshund
Cite this Entry
“Dachshund.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dachshund. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dachshund
noun
dachs·hund
ˈdäks-ˌhu̇nt
ˈdäk-sənt
ˈdäk-sənt
: any of a breed of dogs of German origin with a long body, very short legs, and long drooping ears
Etymology
from German Dachshund "dachshund," literally, "badger dog," from Dachs "badger" and Hund dog
Word Origin
The dachshund is a dog with short legs and a long history. The breed was developed in Germany more than a thousand years ago to hunt burrowing animals such as badgers. With its short legs and long, powerful body, the dachshund could follow a badger right down into its hole. It could even fight with the badger underground. The German name for the breed was Dachshund, a compound of Dachs, meaning "badger," and Hund, "dog." This German name was borrowed directly into English.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
