bloodhound

[ bluhd-hound ]

noun

1. one of a breed of medium- to large-sized dogs, usually having a black-and-tan coat, very long ears, loose skin, and an acute sense of smell: used chiefly for following human scents.
2. a person who is a steadfast pursuer.

bloodhound

/ ˈblʌdˌhaʊnd /

noun

1. a large breed of hound having a smooth glossy coat of red, tan, or black and loose wrinkled skin on its head: formerly much used in tracking and police work
2. informal.
   a detective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bloodhound¹

First recorded in 1300–50, bloodhound is from the Middle English word blod-hound. See blood, hound ¹

Example Sentences

A Southern California couple who lost their French bulldog have gone to great lengths over the last two months to find the pooch, resorting to bloodhounds, animal psychics, cash rewards and door-to-door canvasing.

From Los Angeles Times

Then spontaneously one Christmas, while his partner was away visiting family, he went out and bought a pack of bloodhounds.

From BBC

In graphic detail, Biden spoke of dangerous drug deals in Los Angeles’ Skid Row, driving while high and his time as a “bloodhound” chasing crack in Nashville.

From Los Angeles Times

Mister, a bloodhound who won a merit award in his breed Monday, also puts his breed’s ancient instincts to work.

From Seattle Times

Sherlock Holmes could have used a pug, not his favored bloodhound, to sniff out clues and gotten the same results, a study suggests.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• agent
• informer
• police officer
• private eye
• private investigator
• prosecutor
• reporter
• sleuth
• spy