What does hound mean?
A hound is a dog, especially one associated with hunting, tracking, or following a scent. The word often evokes a disciplined working animal valued for endurance, speed, and a keen sense of smell. It can also refer, disparagingly, to a contemptible or persistently annoying person. As a verb, “to hound” means to pursue someone or keep demanding attention, answers, or action, usually in a way that is difficult to resist. The expression is commonly used for aggressive questioning by journalists, repeated demands from creditors, or sustained pressure from any determined pursuer. Although the word can simply mean “dog” in older and regional usage, its modern associations are strongest with hunting, tracking, and relentless pursuit. It is consequently both a practical term for a specialised working dog and a vivid figurative description of someone who will not give up.
A dog, especially one bred and trained for hunting or tracking by scent.
"The hound barked whenever it found the trail."
In British usage, the word can also refer specifically to a dog used in hunting, particularly one that works in a pack.
A contemptible or persistently annoying person.
"The old hound refused to leave the porch alone."
This sense is usually insulting or disparaging.
To pursue, press, or persistently harass someone.
"Reporters hounded the minister for an explanation."
The verb usually suggests repeated pressure and has an impatient or hostile connotation.
The standard plural of the noun is “hounds,” used for multiple dogs or, figuratively, multiple persistent pursuers.
"The hounds ran across the field in a tight pack."
A hound can be a dog with an extraordinary nose, a hunter’s loyal companion, or a figurative pest who refuses to let an issue go.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hound come from?
The English word comes from Old English hund, used for a dog and related to other Germanic forms such as German Hund, Dutch hond, and Icelandic hundur. In Middle English, the term became especially associated with hunting dogs, including dogs that pursued prey by scent. The modern figurative sense of a persistent pursuer developed from this longstanding association with following a trail.
Related word forms
How hound is actually used
The noun is often mildly dismissive when applied to a person, especially in phrases such as “you miserable hound.” The verb generally carries a negative or impatient connotation: it suggests being repeatedly pressed to answer, act, or respond. In British usage, “hound” can also refer specifically to a hunting dog, including one used in a pack.
Easily confused with hound
A hound is a dog or a relentless pursuer, whereas houndstooth is a pointed Gothic architectural ornament associated with medieval English church decoration.