Definition

A type of dog that is bred to hunt raccoons, known for its smooth coat and strong sense of smell.

Example

The coonhound tracked the scent of the raccoon through the woods.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a coonhound in action?

No, I haven't, but I've heard they're great at hunting raccoons.

They really are! My neighbor has one, and it loves to chase after them.

That sounds exciting! I would love to watch a coonhound do its thing.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Coonhound is formed from "coon" (a colloquial term for raccoon, derived from the word raccoon itself, which comes from the Algonquin word *arakun*) and "hound" (from Old English *hund*, meaning dog). The word refers to a breed of dog specifically bred for hunting raccoons.

Memory Tip

Think of a dog ('hound') that is specifically trained to hunt raccoons ('coon'). This helps you remember that a coonhound is a type of dog used for hunting raccoons.

Visually Confused Words