terrier
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈtɛɹiɝ// UK //tˈɛɹɪɐ// ter·ri·er
n. a small, energetic type of dog that was originally bred to hunt animals that live in holes in the ground.
n. any of several breeds of small, active dogs originally developed for hunting vermin or burrowing animals. Often used as a generic descriptor for various small, wire-haired breeds.
The little terrier barked loudly at the squirrel in the garden.
Farmers traditionally kept a terrier on the property to control the population of rats and other pests.
While many modern terriers are primarily companion animals, they still retain the tenacious and feisty temperament required for their historical role as working hunters.