hangdog

1 of 2

adjective

hang·​dog ˈhaŋ-ˌdȯg How to pronounce hangdog (audio)
Synonyms of hangdog
1
: sad, dejected
2
: sheepish

hangdog

2 of 2

noun

: a despicable or miserable person

Synonyms of hangdog

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Adjective

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Examples of hangdog in a Sentence

Adjective He came home with a hangdog expression on his face. “Why do you look so hangdog today?” she asked
Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
His Mickey is pleasantly mumbly, with a hangdog mien that’s often crosscut with a don’t-underestimate-me swagger. — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2022 Vic accepts his highly public and private humiliation with hangdog equanimity. — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Mar. 2022
Noun
But that hangdog Villaraigosa was nowhere to be seen tonight. — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026 His puppy dog demeanor was back, replacing the hangdog expression earlier. — Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for hangdog

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1677, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1687, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hangdog was in 1677

Rhymes for hangdog

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Browse Nearby Words

hang by a thread
hangdog
hange
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Cite this Entry

“Hangdog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hangdog. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hangdog

adjective
hang·​dog
ˈhaŋ-ˌdȯg
1
: ashamed sense 1, guilty
a hangdog look
2
: dejected, cowed

More from Merriam-Webster on hangdog

Nglish: Translation of hangdog for Spanish Speakers

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