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Definition of malamute

malamute

/ˈmæləˌmjuːt/
mal · a · mute
Plural:malamutes
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malamute Lexical Profile

malamute Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A large, powerful breed of working dog originating in Alaska, characterized by a thick double coat, erect ears, and a plumed tail carried over the back, traditionally used for hauling heavy freight on sleds.

Example

"The team of Alaskan malamutes pulled the heavily loaded sled across the snowy tundra with remarkable endurance."

Photo by Carina Wicke / CC BY-SA 3.0

Word Nuance & Usage

Frequently capitalized as 'Alaskan Malamute' in official breed contexts. It is often confused with the Siberian Husky, though Malamutes are noticeably larger, heavier, and bred for freighting rather than speed.

• Nearby Words

malagarasi
malagasy giant hognose snake
malaise
malamute
malanda
malanda falls
malanga

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived in the late 19th century from 'Malemiut' (or 'Mahlemiut'), the name of an Inupiat people of the Norton Sound region of western Alaska who originally bred these dogs.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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