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Definition of spaniel

spaniel

/ˈspæn.jəl/
span · iel
Plural:spaniels
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spaniel Lexical Profile

spaniel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A dog of various breeds originally developed for flushing and retrieving game, typically characterized by a long silky coat, drooping ears, and a friendly disposition.

Example

"The family adopted a lively cocker spaniel that quickly learned to retrieve tennis balls from the pond."

2

A person who is highly submissive, fawning, or overly eager to please others.

Example

"He refused to act as a mere spaniel to the wealthy executives, choosing instead to voice his honest criticisms."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for spaniel
Antonyms
View all antonyms for spaniel

• Rhymes for spaniel

• Nearby Words

spangled
spangly
spaniard
spaniel
spanish mackerel
spank
spanking

Word Origin & Etymology

Late Middle English: from Old French 'espaigneul', literally meaning 'Spanish (dog)', from 'Espaigne' (Spain), referencing the geographic origin of the ancestral breed.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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