dalmatian

noun

dal·​ma·​tian dal-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce dalmatian (audio)
often capitalized
: any of a breed of medium-sized dogs having a white short-haired coat with many black or brown spots

Illustration of dalmatian

Illustration of dalmatian

Examples of dalmatian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The idea of around 100 black and white animals flocking to your house might conjure images of lovable dalmatians and Cruella De Vil. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 10 Oct. 2024 One such robo-dog is even painted with polka-dots like a dalmatian. Petra Molnar, TIME, 21 May 2024 Prints like black and white dalmatian and psychedelic pink and lavender circles on an extravagant gown and long knit cardigan style dress. Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 4 Oct. 2023 In a Mooney image, random-seeming blobs cohere into a recognizable image once the subject has been revealed—in this case, a dalmatian. Matthew Hutson, WSJ, 2 June 2023 Zach holds Josiah, who wears a pumpkin costume, while Tori holds Lilah, who is dressed up like a dalmatian. Angela Andaloro, Peoplemag, 1 Nov. 2022 Don't get me wrong, this brings us joy: My daughter is going as a dalmatian. Tess Taylor, CNN, 30 Oct. 2021 Despite their absence from the baptism, Khloé and her daughter have been having a tail-wagging good time as of late, dressing up as Cruella de Vil and a tiny dalmatian from 101 Dalmatians for Halloween last month. Jen Juneau, PEOPLE.com, 6 Nov. 2019 This 60-second ad features a wannabe Budweiser Clydesdale training for a spot on the beer wagon team in a Rocky-style montage, aided by a dalmatian of course. Alan Siegel, Ad Meter, 26 Jan. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dalmatian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from the supposed origin of the breed in Dalmatia

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dalmatian was in 1824

Dictionary Entries Near dalmatian

Cite this Entry

“Dalmatian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dalmatian. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

dalmatian

noun
dal·​ma·​tian dal-ˈmā-shən How to pronounce dalmatian (audio)
often capitalized
: any of a breed of dogs that have a white short-haired coat with many black or brown spots

More from Merriam-Webster on dalmatian

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