poodle

Everyday

1. A dog with thick curly hair, often clipped into fancy shapes; poodles come in toy, miniature and standard sizes. tree →
2. (UK, informal, scornful) A person or country that always obeys someone more powerful. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life a poodle is a clever, popular pet dog. In stories a pampered poodle often wears a bow. In UK newspapers calling someone «a poodle» means they do whatever their boss says.

Examples

• Our neighbour's poodle has white curly fur. tree →
• Poodles are clever and easy to train. tree →
• The poodle wore a little pink bow. tree →
• A standard poodle is much bigger than a toy poodle. tree →
• Poodles don't shed much hair. tree →
• The newspaper called the minister the prime minister's poodle. tree →
• A magnificent Poodle appeared, walking on his hind legs just like a man. tree →

Note

Poodles were bred as water dogs; their clipped coat helped them swim. Plural: poodles. The scornful sense is political slang.