doggish

American  

[daw-gish, dog-ish] / ˈdɔ gɪʃ, ˈdɒg ɪʃ /

adjective

1. like a dog; canine.

   doggish affection.

2. surly; mean.

   a doggish temper.

3. stylish and showy.

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doggish British  

/ ˈdɒɡɪʃ /

adjective

1. of or like a dog

2. surly; snappish

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Other Word Forms

• doggishly adverb
• doggishness noun

Etymology

Origin of doggish

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at dog, -ish ¹

Example Sentences

For me, their complementary approaches of demure, catlike problem-solving and doggish, walnut-knuckled obstinacy are as mind-expanding and revelatory as anything Schreber and Wittgenstein ever wrote.

From New York Times • Jun. 9, 2020

Meanwhile Murphy, the dog, is getting into the act, in a more doggish way.

From Washington Post • Apr. 3, 2020

But overall, the human race would be a lot better if we all strove — doggedly — to be a little more, er, doggish.

From Washington Post • Jun. 5, 2019

Colored black, yellow and white, it had long, sharply pointed ears, short whiskers, stub tail, short doggish hair.

From Time Magazine Archive

He was warm, and covered in something heavy with a doggish animal smell.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman