# dug

/ˈdəɡ/ (US) · /dˈʌɡ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dug
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 2. animal mammary gland

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the part of a female animal, like a pig or dog, that produces milk for its babies.

For teachers: a mammary gland or teat of a female domestic mammal, especially one with multiple breasts such as a sow or bitch.

- The farmer checked the sow's dugs to make sure she could feed the piglets.
- The veterinarian noted that the infection had spread to several of the animal's dugs, requiring immediate antibiotic treatment.

### 3. human breast

noun · CEFR C2 · Vulgar · Slang

a rude or very informal word for a woman's breast.

For teachers: a woman's breast or nipple. Used as a derogatory or highly informal term.

- He made a rude comment about the woman's dugs.
- The character in the old play used the word 'dugs' as a crude insult toward the barmaid.

Teaching tip: This sense is highly offensive and dated; learners should avoid using it in any modern context.

## Examples

- The dog dug a big hole in the garden.
- The archaeologists dug deep into the hillside to uncover the remains of the ancient city walls.
- After hours of searching through the archives, the reporter finally dug up the evidence she needed to prove the corruption scandal.

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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.