English Reference
noun · verb

bulldog

n. · v.
US /ˈbʊɫˌdɔɡ/ UK /bˈʊldɒɡ/ bull·dog UK spelling bulldog's, bulldog's, bulldogged, bulldogging

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a strong dog with a short, smooth coat, a flat face, and wrinkly skin.

    n.a breed of dog originating in England, characterised by a thick-set body, a large head with a flattened face, and powerful limbs.

    Simple

    The family's bulldog spent most of the afternoon sleeping in the sun.

    In context

    Despite their somewhat aggressive appearance, the modern bulldog is bred primarily as a companion animal known for its docile and affectionate temperament.

    english bulldog
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.someone who is very stubborn and does not give up easily.

    n.a person noted for their stubborn persistence or tenacious character.

    Simple

    She is a real bulldog when it comes to getting the best price for her clients.

    In context

    The lead investigator was a bulldog who refused to close the file until every lead had been exhausted.

    quitterweakling
  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Sport

    n.a move where a wrestler grabs an opponent's head and pulls them to the ground.

    n.a professional wrestling throw in which the attacker grabs the opponent's head and drops to a sitting or kneeling position, driving the opponent's face into the mat.

    Simple

    The crowd cheered when the champion finished the match with a bulldog.

    In context

    The wrestler executed a perfect bulldog from the second rope, securing a pinfall victory in the final minutes of the main event.

    facebuster
  4. 04 C1 Advanced American English Sport

    v.to wrestle a young cow to the ground by its horns.

    v.to wrestle a steer to the ground by grabbing its horns and twisting its neck, typically as a timed event in a rodeo.

    Simple

    He learned how to bulldog steers while working on his father's ranch.

    In context

    The cowboy managed to bulldog the steer in under five seconds, setting a new record for the annual competition.

    steer wrestling
  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Informal

    v.to push or force your way through a difficult situation or crowd.

    v.to force one's way through an obstacle or to advance with aggressive persistence.

    Simple

    He tried to bulldog his way through the crowd to reach the stage.

    In context

    The CEO attempted to bulldog the new policy through the board of directors despite significant opposition from the shareholders.


From bull + dog, in reference to bullbaiting.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated