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greyhound

/ˌgreɪˈhaʊnd/
/ˈgreɪhaʊnd/
IPA guide

Other forms: greyhounds

A greyhound is a long-legged, elegant dog that's known for its speed. Historians believe greyhounds are one of the oldest dog breeds.

Dogs resembling greyhounds decorate many ancient Egyptian tombs and Neolithic settlement walls, suggesting that this sleek, muscular dog has been around for thousands of years. In the 20th century, greyhounds were commonly bred for racing — they can run steadily at speeds over 40 miles per hour. Retired racing greyhounds also make sweet companions, and as the sport has declined in the U.S., more and more greyhounds have lived their whole lives as coddled pets. Interestingly, the grey part of the word is of disputed origin, but it does not refer to the dogs' color — as most greyhounds are not gray.

Definitions of greyhound
  1. noun
    a tall slender dog of an ancient breed noted for swiftness and keen sight; used as a racing dog
    see moresee less
    types:
    Italian greyhound
    a toy dog developed from the greyhound
    whippet
    small slender dog of greyhound type developed in England
    type of:
    hound, hound dog
    any of several breeds of dog used for hunting typically having large drooping ears
    racer
    an animal that races
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