cairn terrier

noun

: any of a breed of small compactly built hard-coated terriers of Scottish origin

Examples of cairn terrier 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.
Charlie, an 18-month-old Yorkie-cairn terrier mix, was one of many first-timers at the Roxie Theater in San Francisco on Monday night. — New York Times, 20 Mar. 2018 Some pet owners swear the following breeds generally exhibit ADHD symptoms more frequently than other dog breeds; Jack Russel Terrier, German Shepherd, and cairn terrier. — Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 9 Nov. 2022

Word History

Etymology

from its use in hunting among cairns

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cairn terrier was in 1837

Rhymes for cairn terrier

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Browse Nearby Words

Cairns
cairn terrier
Cairo
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on cairn terrier

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cairn terrier

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