Basenji

[ buh-sen-jee ]

noun

1. one of an African breed of dogs having a chestnut coat with white points and a curled tail, characterized chiefly by their inability to bark.

basenji

/ bəˈsɛndʒɪ /

noun

1. a small smooth-haired breed of dog of African origin having a tightly curled tail and an inability to bark

Word History and Origins

Origin of Basenji¹

1930–35; said to be < Lingala basenji, plural of mosenji native, inhabitant of the hinterland (or < a cognate Bantu word)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Basenji¹

C20: from a Bantu language

Example Sentences

Marchesa designer Keren Craig's basenji, Alabama, won the Sarah Jessica Pawwwker award.

From The Daily Beast