What does lurcher mean?
A lurcher is a lean, fast hunting dog with a greyhound-like build and a varied coat. It was developed in Britain chiefly to pursue hares and other game by sight, combining the speed of a sighthound with greater endurance and a more robust working temperament than many pedigree greyhounds. Lurchers can range from short-haired and smooth-coated animals to densely furred or “silken” varieties, so the name describes a type of working dog rather than one uniform appearance. The breed is especially associated with hare coursing, although lurchers are also kept as companions and hunted other kinds of game. In ordinary writing, “lurcher” is a specialist breed term rather than a general word for a large racing dog. It should not be confused with “lurch,” which names a sudden uneven movement or a moment of alarm.
nounA lean, fast hunting dog with a greyhound-like build, developed to pursue game by sight, especially in hare coursing. Lurches have varied coats and are generally more rugged than pedigree greyhounds.
- A lean, swift hunting dog of a greyhound-like type, traditionally used to pursue game by sight and in hare coursing.
"The brown lurcher ran down the hare across the open field."
"His lurcher rested beside the gate, its deep chest rising after the long run."
"The breeder described the black-and-white dog as a smooth-coated lurcher with an unusually steady temperament."
The regular plural adds -s and is used for multiple dogs.
"Two lurchers waited beside the handler."
A lurcher combines the speed of a greyhound with the toughness of a working dog.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does lurcher come from?
The word descends from Middle English lurcher, originally meaning a swindler or cheating fellow, and was formed from lurch in the sense “to cheat or deceive.” The later name for the hunting dog is commonly associated with the same root, possibly through the animal's quick, bounding movement, although the precise development is uncertain. The root also survives in modern lurch, both as a verb for moving suddenly and as a noun for a sudden feeling of alarm.
Related word forms
How lurcher is actually used
The term is most common in British hunting and dog-breeding contexts but is also used in the United States. In breed descriptions, it refers to a specific type of hunting dog rather than merely any dog that resembles a greyhound.
Easily confused with lurcher
A lurcher is a hunting dog, whereas a lurch is an abrupt, uneven movement or a sudden feeling of alarm.