beagle

noun

bea·​gle ˈbē-gəl How to pronounce beagle (audio)
: any of a breed of small short-legged smooth-coated often black, white, and tan hounds

Illustration of beagle

Illustration of beagle

Examples of beagle 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.
In the days after adopting her, the Tillmans worked to build a relationship with the beagle on her terms. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 The Wrong Trousers was the second short film starring the British cheese-loving gentleman and his loyal beagle. — Jordan Hoffman, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026 The group bought roughly 1,500 of the facility's more than 2,000 beagles in April for an undisclosed price. — CBS News, 15 June 2026 The rescue group said some of the beagles will go to other rescue groups while others will be sent to its Florida and Alabama campuses where they will be spayed, neutered, and prepared for adoption. — ABC News, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for beagle

Word History

Etymology

Middle English begle

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of beagle was in the 15th century

Rhymes for beagle

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Browse Nearby Words

beady
beagle
Beagle Channel
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Cite this Entry

“Beagle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beagle. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

beagle

noun
bea·​gle ˈbē-gəl How to pronounce beagle (audio)
: any of a breed of small hounds with short legs and smooth coats

More from Merriam-Webster on beagle

Nglish: Translation of beagle for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about beagle

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