Irish setter

noun

: any of a breed of bird dogs resembling English setters but with a glossy mahogany-red coat

Examples of Irish setter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Irish setters are prized for its 12- to 15-year life span and its beautiful, silky coat, which comes in a rusty red. — Taylor Grothe, Parents, 9 Feb. 2026 Some dog breeds are not permitted for that reason, including Great Danes, Irish setters and bloodhounds (a complete list can be found online). — Nathan Diller, USA Today, 8 Mar. 2026 These included two strapping Irish setters, whose owner was relocating to London for work and did not want to risk shipping her pets as airborne cargo. — Guy Trebay, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2025 Rodney the puppy is an Irish doodle — a mix between an Irish setter and poodle — and lives in Brighton, England, with his owner Katy. — Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for Irish setter

Word History

First Known Use

1812, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Irish setter was in 1812

Rhymes for Irish setter

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Browse Nearby Words

Irish Sea
Irish setter
Irish snipe
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Cite this Entry

“Irish setter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Irish%20setter. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Irish setter

noun
: any of a breed of bird dogs having a mahogany-red coat

More from Merriam-Webster on Irish setter

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Irish setter

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