noun
terrier
TEH-ree-uh
noun
1
Any of various small, energetic dog breeds originally bred to hunt burrowing animals.
"The terrier dug furiously at the rabbit hole."
"Jack Russell terriers are known for their high energy."
2
A person who pursues something with tenacity, like a terrier chasing prey.
"She's a real terrier when it comes to chasing down late payments."
How to Use Terrier
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA small, feisty dog breed, or figuratively someone who won't let go of a task.
Common pairings
Jack Russell terrier
terrier breed
Word Forms
terriers plural, terriers plural, terriers plural
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Etymology
From Old French chien terrier, "earth dog," from terre, "earth" — a reference to the breed's habit of digging into burrows after prey.