mastiff

IPA/ˈmæstɪf/
KK[mˈæstəf]IPA/ˈmæstɪf/

mastiff — noun

  • mastiffsingular
  • mastiffsplural

1. a huge breed of dog with a wide body and smooth coat, often kept to watch over a

1.nounC1
Definition

a huge breed of dog with a wide body and smooth coat, often kept to watch over a home, farm, or other property.

Example

Otis trained his mastiff to sit quietly beside the front gate.

mastiff guarding a home

The rescue centre found a new home on a farm for the injured mastiff.

rescued mastiff on a farm

Common collocations
  • mastiff puppy
  • pet mastiff
  • English mastiff
  • mastiff owner
  • mastiff breeder
Synonyms
  • guard dog

    describes the job, not a specific breed; many mastiffs are kept for guarding

  • watchdog

    focuses on warning and watching, not on the breed's heavy build

Grammar Patterns

countable noun

Usage Note

Often used for one of several giant guarding breeds rather than for a large dog in general. In breed names, mastiff usually follows another word, as in English mastiff or bullmastiff.

Common Mistakes

The family chose a mastiff because they wanted a tiny lap dog.
The family chose a mastiff because they wanted a large guard dog.
A mastiff is known for its size and strength, not for being a very small pet.

Common collocations

Nouns

  • mastiff puppy
  • mastiff owner
  • mastiff breeder

Phrases

  • keep a mastiff
  • walk a mastiff

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

Mastiff came into English through Old French mastin, a word used for a large domestic dog. In modern English, it refers to a group of very large, powerful breeds often kept for guarding.