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Definition of hangdog

hangdog

/ˈhæŋˌdɔːɡ/
hang · dog
Plural:hangdogs
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hangdog Lexical Profile

hangdog Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having a dejected, guilty, or downcast appearance or demeanor; shamefaced.

Example

"The student walked into the principal's office with a hangdog expression after forgetting his assignment."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• noun

1

A despicable, cowardly, orsneaking person (now largely archaic).

Example

"In the seventeenth-century play, the villain dismissed his cowardly henchman as a mere hangdog."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

hang
hangable
hangar
hangdog
hanger
hanging
hangman

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the late 17th century from 'hang' and 'dog', originally referring to a despicable person fit only to hang a dog or to be hanged like one.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hangdog. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hangdog
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