# bulldog

/ˈbʊɫˌdɔɡ/ (US) · /bˈʊldɒɡ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. dog breed

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The family's bulldog spent most of the afternoon sleeping in the sun.
- Despite their somewhat aggressive appearance, the modern bulldog is bred primarily as a companion animal known for its docile and affectionate temperament.

### 2. determined person

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: a person noted for their stubborn persistence or tenacious character.

- She is a real bulldog when it comes to getting the best price for her clients.
- The lead investigator was a bulldog who refused to close the file until every lead had been exhausted.

### 3. wrestling move

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

For teachers: 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.

- The crowd cheered when the champion finished the match with a bulldog.
- The wrestler executed a perfect bulldog from the second rope, securing a pinfall victory in the final minutes of the main event.

### 4. rodeo technique

verb · CEFR C1 · American English

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

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

- He learned how to bulldog steers while working on his father's ranch.
- The cowboy managed to bulldog the steer in under five seconds, setting a new record for the annual competition.

### 5. to force through

verb · CEFR C2 · Informal

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

For teachers: to force one's way through an obstacle or to advance with aggressive persistence.

- He tried to bulldog his way through the crowd to reach the stage.
- The CEO attempted to bulldog the new policy through the board of directors despite significant opposition from the shareholders.

## Examples

- The bulldog slept on the rug.
- She is a bulldog in negotiations and never gives up.
- The journalist pursued the story with bulldog tenacity, refusing to let the officials ignore the evidence.

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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.