bulldog
bulldog Lexical Profile
bulldog Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A breed of muscular, heavy-set dog with a distinctive pushed-in nose, wrinkled face, and wide stance, originally bred in England.
"The family decided to adopt an English bulldog because of its gentle and loyal temperament."
A relentlessly tenacious or stubbornly determined person.
"When it came to defending his clients, the lawyer was an absolute bulldog in the courtroom."
• verb
To attack, handle, or pursue a task with aggressive and stubborn determination.
"She decided to bulldog her way through the complex project until every structural issue was resolved."
North American To wrestle a steer to the ground by seizing its horns and twisting its neck, typically in a rodeo event.
"The cowboy managed to bulldog the massive steer in record time, securing his victory in the rodeo."
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Originated in English in the 1630s, combining 'bull' and 'dog', referring to the breed's original use in the blood sport of bull-baiting.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.