What does doglike mean?
The term doglike refers to qualities, behaviors, or appearances that closely resemble those of a dog. It is often used to describe someone or something that exhibits characteristics commonly associated with dogs, such as loyalty, playfulness, or affectionateness. This adjective can be applied to both living beings, like animals or people with dog-like traits, and inanimate objects or artistic representations that evoke a canine likeness. The term captures a range of attributes that are endearingly or characteristically canine, making it a useful descriptor in various contexts, from everyday conversation to more formal discussions in fields like biology, art, or psychology.
adjectiveResembling or characteristic of a dog, especially in behavior or appearance. Having qualities that are typical of a dog.
- Resembling a dog in behavior or appearance
- Having qualities typical of a dog
"The playful, doglike nature of the golden retriever made it a popular family pet."
"The doglike loyalty of the companion animal was inspiring."
"The artist's doglike features in the sculpture were meticulously detailed."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of doglike
The word doglike combines 'dog,' from Old English 'docga,' related to Proto-Germanic '*dagiz' and Proto-Indo-European '*dhug-,' with the suffix '-like,' from Old English '-lic,' which is used to form adjectives indicating resemblance. The term has been used in English since at least the 15th century to describe things that resemble or are characteristic of dogs.
Usage notes
Often used to describe behavior or appearance that is loyal, playful, or affectionate, similar to that of a typical domestic dog.