1
: having dog-ears
a dog-eared book
2
: shabby, timeworn
a dog-eared resort
dog-eared myths

Examples of dog-eared in a Sentence

an old dog-eared copy of a beloved book
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Novel as the experience is for her, the spookiness surrounding it is as familiar and dog-eared as scripture: creepy nuns, ominous robed figures, lots of cheap jump scares. A.a. Dowd, Vulture, 11 Apr. 2024 Tampa Bay is still a very good team, even if a bit dog-eared around the edges of its elite personnel. Kevin Paul Dupont, BostonGlobe.com, 27 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1767, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dog-eared was in 1767

Dictionary Entries Near dog-eared

Cite this Entry

“Dog-eared.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dog-eared. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

dog-eared

adjective
ˈdȯ-ˌgi(ə)rd
1
: having dog-ears
2
: worn-out from too much use

More from Merriam-Webster on dog-eared

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