bloodhound
bloodhound Lexical Profile
bloodhound Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large breed of hound noted for its exceptionally keen sense of smell and its ability to track human or animal scents over great distances, typically characterized by a wrinkled face, loose skin, and long, drooping ears.
"The local police department brought in a trained bloodhound to help find the missing child in the dense forest."
A relentless person, particularly an investigator or detective, who pursues a clue, fact, or suspect with unwavering determination.
"The investigative journalist was a true bloodhound, refusing to let the corporate corruption scandal drop until she had uncovered every hidden document."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'bloodhound', first recorded in the mid-14th century. Likely named either because they were purebred ('of pure blood') or because they were originally used to track the scent of bleeding, wounded prey.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.