# beagle

/ˈbiɡəɫ/ (US) · /bˈiːɡəl/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/beagle
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a small type of dog with short hair and long ears. They are famous for their great sense of smell and are often used for hunting.

For teachers: a small, sturdy breed of hound with a short coat and long, drooping ears. Originally bred for tracking small game, it is characterised by its keen olfactory sense and vocal nature.

## Examples

- The beagle followed the scent through the tall grass.
- Because a beagle is a scent hound, it will often ignore its owner's calls if it finds an interesting smell to follow.
- While beagles are popular family pets due to their gentle temperament, their instinctual drive to follow scent trails requires a secure fence and consistent leash training during walks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.