heeler

noun

heel·​er ˈhē-lər How to pronounce heeler (audio)
1
a
: one that heels
b
: australian cattle dog
2
a
: a henchman of a local political boss
b
: a worker for a local party organization
especially : ward heeler

Examples of heeler 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.
When the steer changes directions, the heeler (right) ropes the back feet. — Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 2025 That independent instinct can lead to some mischief at home though; heelers have been known to herd kids or other pets. — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 18 June 2026 The blue heeler lunged again and attacked the child’s back, according to the New York Post. — Ronn Blitzer , Mitch Picasso, FOXNews.com, 17 Nov. 2025 One such example is a heeler named Gus who is slowly draining away day after day in an Indiana kennel. — Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for heeler

Word History

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of heeler was in 1647

Phrases Containing heeler

Rhymes for heeler

See All Rhymes for heeler

Browse Nearby Words

heeld
heeler
heel fly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on heeler

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heeler

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