What does gazehound mean?
A gazehound is a rare sighthound breed associated with Egypt, traditionally used to hunt fast desert game such as gazelles. It belongs to the same broad hunting tradition as greyhounds and related breeds: lean, deep-chested, fast dogs that pursue prey by sight rather than primarily by scent. The name is also encountered as gazelle hound, reflecting the breed's traditional role. In modern English, gazehound is uncommon and normally functions as a breed name, with “a gazehound” referring to one dog and “gazehounds” to several. It should not be used as a general synonym for a sighthound, greyhound, or Pharaoh Hound, since these may denote other breeds or a wider category. The word is useful for readers interested in canine history, rare breeds, and the specialized vocabulary of dog types, where precise naming helps distinguish a hunting animal from a general breed or category.
nounA rare sighthound breed associated with Egypt, traditionally used to hunt fast desert game such as gazelles and resembling a greyhound.
- A rare sighthound breed associated with Egypt, traditionally used to hunt fast desert game and resembling a greyhound.
"The gazehound moved across the desert with the speed of a greyhound."
"The gazehound moved across the desert with the speed of a greyhound."
"Her interest in rare breeds led her to research the history of the gazehound."
The usual plural is formed by adding the regular plural suffix -s.
"The breeder showed two gazehounds at the show."
The gazehound was bred for the chase: a lean, fast sighthound made for pursuing gazelles across open desert.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gazehound come from?
Gazehound is an English compound whose first element is historically associated with gazelle; the alternative name gazelle hound makes that association explicit. Hound comes from Old English hund and originally referred to a hunting dog. The compound has been used as a breed name in English, particularly in historical and specialist canine contexts.
How gazehound is actually used
Uncommon in general English and normally used as a formal or specialist breed name. The closed compound is standard in modern writing.
Easily confused with gazehound
A greyhound is a distinct, widely established sighthound breed, whereas a gazehound refers to a rarer breed historically associated with Egypt and gazelle hunting.
Gazelle hound is an alternative name for the same breed rather than a separate kind of dog.