terrier

Everyday

1. A small or medium-sized, lively dog first bred to hunt and dig out small animals such as rats, rabbits and foxes. tree →
2. (figurative) A person who is very determined and does not give up. tree →

In the lessons

In pet and science lessons, terriers are a group of dog breeds: Jack Russell, Scottie (Scottish terrier), Westie, Yorkshire terrier, Irish terrier, Australian terrier. They are energetic, brave and love to dig. In sport talk, a player who chases every ball is «a real terrier». Phrases: «Jack Russell terrier», «Yorkshire terrier», «like a terrier».

Examples

• Our terrier loves digging holes in the garden. tree →
• A Jack Russell is a small terrier. tree →
• Terriers were bred to catch rats. tree →
• The terrier barked at the postman. tree →
• She chased the story like a terrier. tree →
• Yorkshire terriers are tiny dogs with long silky hair. tree →
• The little terrier was brave and full of energy. tree →

Note

Spelling: double «r»: terrier. Not «terror» (great fear) and not «territory», though the word comes from the Latin for «earth», because terriers dig in the ground.