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whippet

/ˈwɪpɪt/
/ˈhwɪpɪt/
IPA guide

Other forms: whippets

A whippet is a small, sleek dog that resembles a greyhound and can run nearly as fast.

Like greyhounds, whippets were originally bred for hunting, and both breeds were also used for competitive racing. Whippets are speedy dogs, and some experts say their name comes from the "move fast" meaning of whip. Others believe the source of whippet is the archaic whappet, "small, yapping dog," although most whippets are actually great apartment dogs that don't do much yapping!

Definitions of whippet
  1. noun
    small slender dog of greyhound type developed in England
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    type of:
    greyhound
    a tall slender dog of an ancient breed noted for swiftness and keen sight; used as a racing dog
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