First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
spaniel
noun span·iel \ˈspan-yəl also ˈspa-nəl\
: a type of small dog that has long ears and a soft coat
Full Definition of SPANIEL
1
: a member of any of several breeds of small or medium-sized mostly short-legged dogs usually having long wavy hair, feathered legs and tail, and large drooping ears
2
: a fawning servile person
See spaniel defined for English-language learners
See spaniel defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of SPANIEL
Middle English spaynel, spaniell, from Anglo-French espainnel, alteration of espaignol Spaniard, from Vulgar Latin *Hispaniolus, from Latin Hispania Spain
Rhymes with SPANIEL
SPANIEL Defined for Kids
spaniel
noun span·iel \ˈspan-yəl\
Definition of SPANIEL for Kids
: a small or medium-sized dog with a thick wavy coat, long drooping ears, and usually short legs
Learn More About SPANIEL
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up spaniel? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).