malamute
malamute Lexical Profile
malamute Game Scores & Validity
• noun
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.
"The team of Alaskan malamutes pulled the heavily loaded sled across the snowy tundra with remarkable endurance."
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
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.