bobtailed
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈbɒbˌteɪld/
KK: /ˈbɑbˌteɪld/
adjective
Definition
Describing an animal, especially a dog, that has a short or absent tail.
Example
The bobtailed dog ran happily in the park.
Conversation
Have you seen that new dog at the park?
Yeah, the one that's bobtailed?
Exactly! It's so cute and playful.
I love bobtailed dogs; they have such unique personalities.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
short
stubby
cropped
Antonyms
long
full
extended
verb
Definition
To cut short or remove the tail of an animal, especially a dog.
Example
The dog was bobtailed to make it look more stylish.
Tense Forms
Past: bobtailed
Past Participle: bobtailed
Conversation
Did you see the dog at the park yesterday?
Yeah, it was really cute! I think it had a bobtailed look.
I wonder if it was born that way or if it had an accident.
Root Explanation
Bobtailed → The word is formed from 'bob' (from Middle English 'bobbe', meaning to cut short) and 'tail' (from Old English 'tægel', meaning the rear part of an animal). The term 'bobtailed' refers to an animal, particularly a dog, that has a tail that has been cut short or is naturally short.
Memory Tip
Think of 'cutting short' ('bob') the 'tail' of an animal — that's why 'bobtailed' describes an animal with a short tail.
Visually Confused Words
tailed
boiled