fox terrier

noun

: a small, lively terrier of either of two breeds that was formerly used to dig out foxes, that weighs about 16 to 18 pounds (7.3 to 8.2 kilograms), and that has a flat moderately narrow skull, a long muzzle, small V-shaped ears which droop forward, straight forelegs, and muscular hindquarters:

Illustration of fox terrier

Illustration of fox terrier

Examples of fox terrier in a Sentence

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.
Rose established the Palm Dog in 2001, inspired by his own fox terrier, Mutley, who appeared in an entry screened in the festival’s Short Film Corner. Esther Zuckerman, New York Times, 21 May 2024 Nearly four dozen breeds have been honored in the 115 Best in Show competitions, but one breed, the wire fox terrier, has won throughout the decades. Karina Zaiets, USA TODAY, 15 May 2024 The story of a dog owned by Caroline’s brother William, by tradition a little fox terrier named Lila, is better known than Rebel’s. Julie Flavell, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Aug. 2023 The wire fox terrier has won Westminster more than any other dog breed, with 15 Best in Show wins. Kelli Bender, Peoplemag, 9 May 2023 Nearly four dozen breeds have been honored in the 114 the best in show competitions, but one breed, the wire fox terrier, has won throughout the decades. Jim Sergent, USA TODAY, 9 May 2023 The wire fox terrier has also won best in show twice in the last decade – King in 2019 and Sky in 2014 (the latter dog also won the National Dog Show in 2012 – this is a breed hungry for glory). Scottie Andrew, CNN, 8 May 2023 More than 40 years later the couple still occupy the loft, with their 11-year-old wirehaired fox terrier Oscar. Christopher Bollen, Town & Country, 22 Feb. 2022 The record-breaking toy fox terrier died of natural causes at her home in Taylors, South Carolina, on Monday, said Guinness in a news release. Zoe Sottile, CNN, 7 Oct. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

1823, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fox terrier was in 1823

Dictionary Entries Near fox terrier

Cite this Entry

“Fox terrier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fox%20terrier. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

fox terrier

noun
: a small lively terrier formerly used to dig out foxes and existing in smooth-haired and wire-haired varieties

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