whippet

[ whip-it, wip- ]

noun

1. one of a breed of small, swift dogs resembling a greyhound, used for hunting rabbits and for racing.
2. Also called whippet tank. a fast, light tank used by the British in World War I.

whippet

/ ˈwɪpɪt /

noun

1. a small slender breed of dog similar to a greyhound in appearance

Word History and Origins

Origin of whippet¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; perhaps alteration of phrase whip it move briskly

Word History and Origins

Origin of whippet¹

C16: of uncertain origin; perhaps based on the phrase whip it! move quickly!

Example Sentences

But she said there were elements in Scoop that she didn't recognise, including scenes which showed her and her grey whippet Moody in the office.

From BBC

"This is more like flat caps and whippets," adds Will.

From BBC

Scenes are staged as precisely as painted tableaus, with handsome shadows and gratuitous whippets.

From New York Times

He said three whippet type dogs were located in a dog pen at Mr Toland's home which had no bedding, no water and only small amounts of food.

From BBC

To take one obvious example, she said, some dogs, like whippets, have bone structures that make it uncomfortable for them to sit in the standard position.

From Washington Post