: any of a breed of very large massive powerful smooth-coated dogs that are apricot, fawn, or brindle and are often used as guard dogs
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Like that dutiful mastiff, this Urus is happiest when let off the leash.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
17 June 2026 Meanwhile, in 2004, a Neapolitan mastiff broke the Guinness World Record for most puppies after giving birth to 24.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
1 May 2026 Four chihuahuas were compared against three large dogs, a Tibetan mastiff, a Newfoundland and an English mastiff, along with their owner in the room.—
Kate Perez,
USA Today,
5 Mar. 2026 Cane Corsos are part of the mastiff family.—
David Goodhue,
Miami Herald,
17 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mastiff
Word History
Etymology
Middle English mastif, from Medieval Latin mastivus, from Vulgar Latin *masuetivus, from Latin mansuetus tame — more at mansuetude