English Reference
noun · verb

hound

n. · v.
US /ˈhaʊnd/ UK /hˈaʊnd/ hound UK spelling hounded, hounds

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a dog with a very good sense of smell that is trained to hunt other animals.

    n.a dog belonging to any of several breeds typically used for hunting by scent or sight.

    Simple

    The hunter followed his hound through the thick forest to find the deer.

    In context

    The pack of hounds picked up the scent near the riverbank and led the search party deep into the valley.

    hunting dogcanine
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    n.someone who is very interested in finding or collecting a specific thing.

    n.an enthusiast or person who persistently seeks something, often used in compounds like 'glory-hound' or 'news-hound'.

    Simple

    As a dedicated bargain hound, she spent every Saturday morning at garage sales.

    In context

    The veteran news hound was the first to arrive at the courthouse, hoping for an exclusive interview with the defendant.

  3. 03 C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    n.parts of a ship's mast that help hold up the top sections.

    n.Projections at the masthead that serve as a support for the trestletrees.

    Simple

    The sailors checked the hounds of the mast for any signs of rot.

    In context

    During the refit, the shipwright discovered significant structural fatigue in the hounds, requiring the entire foremast to be lowered for repair.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to bother or chase someone constantly to get what you want.

    v.to harass, pester, or pursue someone relentlessly.

    Simple

    Reporters continued to hound the politician for an answer about the new tax.

    In context

    Debt collectors began to hound the family with daily phone calls and formal letters, despite their requests for a payment plan.

    leave aloneignore
  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Archaic

    v.to encourage dogs to chase or attack something.

    v.to urge on or set dogs upon a quarry during a hunt.

    Simple

    In the old stories, the king would hound his dogs after the white deer.

    In context

    The huntsman was known for his ability to hound his pack with such precision that no prey could escape the initial pursuit.

    set uponincite

Lord Simon Woolley said Arday had been "hounded" by the media and pursued relentlessly.

BBC News· 16 Aug 2026

It’s true that controversy has hounded Smith from day one.

The Guardian· 14 Aug 2026
This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated