spaniel
noun
span·iel ˈspan-yəl 
also ˈspa-nᵊl
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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Joseph Mydell brings warmth and kindness to his turn as another hotel employee, but hearts will melt over the film’s most important supporting actor: Louis, Rosalind’s faithful spaniel, a scene-stealing canine who is best in show. 
Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Sep. 2022 Raccoon dogs, a spaniel-size canine bred and sold in China both for their meat and luxurious fur, are one of the likeliest sources of the last 2½ years of human misery. Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 29 July 2022 My friend has the same problem with her old and blind spaniel. Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, 13 Apr. 2022 My friend has the same problem with her old and blind spaniel. Amy Dickson, Detroit Free Press, 13 Apr. 2022 The clients’ spaniel, Jake, lays claim to the best spot in the former hayloft, which overlooks sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Kristin Tablang, House Beautiful, 22 Sep. 2021 On an August afternoon, the 33-year-old singer and songwriter arrived there to find a basketball rolled into the driveway, tiny swimsuits drying on the porch and a spaniel, Bean, rooting around the percussion section for a stick. New York Times, 26 Aug. 2021 Created out of beechwood and featuring a floral-print velvet cushion emblazoned with a spaniel, the Francesina chair winks at you while adding just the right jolt of energy. Kerry Pieri, Harper's BAZAAR, 19 July 2021 The turquoise sandals, which have a brown heel and straps and white buttons, got destroyed when Aidan’s Brittany spaniel dragged them into Carrie’s bathroom and began gnawing on them. Eliza Huber, refinery29.com, 25 May 2021 See More
Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Sep. 2022 Raccoon dogs, a spaniel-size canine bred and sold in China both for their meat and luxurious fur, are one of the likeliest sources of the last 2½ years of human misery. Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 29 July 2022 My friend has the same problem with her old and blind spaniel. Amy Dickinson, oregonlive, 13 Apr. 2022 My friend has the same problem with her old and blind spaniel. Amy Dickson, Detroit Free Press, 13 Apr. 2022 The clients’ spaniel, Jake, lays claim to the best spot in the former hayloft, which overlooks sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Kristin Tablang, House Beautiful, 22 Sep. 2021 On an August afternoon, the 33-year-old singer and songwriter arrived there to find a basketball rolled into the driveway, tiny swimsuits drying on the porch and a spaniel, Bean, rooting around the percussion section for a stick. New York Times, 26 Aug. 2021 Created out of beechwood and featuring a floral-print velvet cushion emblazoned with a spaniel, the Francesina chair winks at you while adding just the right jolt of energy. Kerry Pieri, Harper's BAZAAR, 19 July 2021 The turquoise sandals, which have a brown heel and straps and white buttons, got destroyed when Aidan’s Brittany spaniel dragged them into Carrie’s bathroom and began gnawing on them. Eliza Huber, refinery29.com, 25 May 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English spaynel, spaniell, from Anglo-French espainnel, alteration of espaignol Spaniard, from Vulgar Latin *Hispaniolus, from Latin Hispania Spain
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Phrases Containing spaniel
Kids Definition
spaniel
noun
span·iel ˈspan-yəl
: a small or medium-sized dog with a thick wavy coat, long drooping ears, and usually short legs