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
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.
Adjective
The Movie finds its titular alpha wolf Scott McCall (Tyler Posey) a teenager no more, but still struggling with the same hangdog loneliness. — Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 26 Jan. 2023 Like the rest of his teammates, fifth-year linebacker DeMarvion Overshown made certain to spin around and soak in the scene as hangdog Sooners fans emptied out of their half of the stadium with a full quarter to go. — Nick Moyle, San Antonio Express-News, 12 Oct. 2022
Noun
Coyote is influenced by the siren song of veritable ambulance-chasing lawyer Kevin Avery (Will Forte, being characteristically very funny and exceedingly hangdog), who specializes in small claims against Acme. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 12 Aug. 2026 Romano’s wry, hangdog default demeanor suits his character, Joe, a father of two who’s separated from his wife (Penelope Ann Miller) and living in a depressing motel. — Judy Berman, Time, 11 Aug. 2026 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 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hangdog

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

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