beagle

[ bee-guhl ]

noun

1. one of a breed of small hounds having long ears, short legs, and a usually black, tan, and white coat.

beagle

/ ˈbiːɡəl /

noun

1. a small sturdy breed of hound, having a smooth dense coat usually of white, tan, and black; often used (esp formerly) for hunting hares
2. archaic.
   a person who spies on others

verb

1. intr to hunt with beagles, normally on foot

Word History and Origins

Origin of beagle¹

1490–1500; perhaps < Middle French beegueule one who whines insistently, equivalent to bee, 3rd person singular of beer to be open, gape (by-form of bayer ( bay ² ) + gueule mouth (of an animal); gullet

Word History and Origins

Origin of beagle¹

C15: of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

Strolling further, I notice a model of HMS Beagle, the ship which Charles Darwin sailed on from 1832 to 1835 throughout South America.

From Salon

From 1832 to1835, Darwin made his way through South America aboard HMS Beagle, during which time he made key observations pertaining to wildlife.

From Salon

The new film will see the evil penguin seek revenge on inventor Wallace and his trusty and loyal beagle Gromit.

From BBC

Inotiv will pay an additional $13 million to restore the environment near its former facility; compensate the Humane Society of the United States, which oversaw the beagle adoptions; and upgrade Envigo’s remaining animal facilities beyond AWA requirements.

From Science Magazine

At Beagle Island off the Antarctic Peninsula, researchers from the University of Chile and other institutions have found seven Adélie penguins that were infected yet have remained healthy.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• detective
• gumshoe
• private eye
• private investigator
• sleuth