English Reference

Word

greyhounds

Phoneticsgrey·hounds

UK/ɡɹˈeɪhaʊndz/

Countable noun

Definition

n. a breed of tall, thin dogs that can run very fast. People often use them for racing or as gentle pets.

n. a breed of tall, slender, short-haired dogs noted for their keen sight and great speed. Historically used for coursing and racing, they are characterised by a deep chest and long legs.

Examples

“Greyhounds are the fastest dogs in the world.”

“The stadium was packed with spectators eager to watch the greyhounds compete in the final race of the season.”

“Despite their reputation as high-energy athletes on the track, retired greyhounds are famously docile and spend much of their time sleeping when kept as domestic companions.”

Examples

simple

“Greyhounds are the fastest dogs in the world.”

contextual

“The stadium was packed with spectators eager to watch the greyhounds compete in the final race of the season.”

complex

“Despite their reputation as high-energy athletes on the track, retired greyhounds are famously docile and spend much of their time sleeping when kept as domestic companions.”

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “greyhounds” in context.

Verb

01. breed greyhound

“They specialize in breeding greyhounds that are known for their speed and stamina.”

verb + noun

02. greyhound chase

“Spectators cheered as the greyhound chased the mechanical lure around the bend.”

noun + verb

03. greyhound sprint

“The greyhound sprints toward the finish line at remarkable speed.”

noun + verb

04. race greyhound

“The syndicate has been racing greyhounds at the local stadium for years.”

verb + noun

05. rehome greyhound

“Charities work hard to rehome greyhounds after they leave the track.”

verb + noun

Adjective

06. pedigree greyhound

“He decided to invest in a pedigree greyhound for the upcoming season.”

adj + noun

07. retired greyhound

“Many families choose to adopt a retired greyhound once its racing career is over.”

adj + noun

Noun

08. brace of greyhounds

“The trainer arrived at the event with a fine brace of greyhounds.”

noun + prep + noun

09. pack of greyhounds

“A pack of greyhounds waited eagerly in the starting traps.”

noun + prep + noun

10. adopt a retired greyhound

“The campaign encourages people to adopt a retired greyhound as a companion.”

11. fast as a greyhound

“The young winger is as fast as a greyhound on the football pitch.”

12. greyhound racing industry

“New regulations were introduced to improve welfare in the greyhound racing industry.”

Usage

Plural form of 'greyhound'.

Real-World Examples

“As regulators and humane organizations look to stamp out dog racing for good, greyhounds as we know them—those spindly speed demons—have become a dying breed.”
WSJ 26 Feb 2023
“Sleek greyhounds thunder around the sandy oval at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg, Florida, in August 2020.”
National Geographic 1 Oct 2020
“Greyhounds are the fastest dogs on the planet.”
Los Angeles Times 24 Jan 2020
“Greyhounds are calm, gentle dogs, but they’re also pretty efficient killers,” Hardzog said as he picked a”
nytimes.com 25 Apr 2010

Related words

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Frequency
Occasional
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference