canine
Computer-generated voice, not a recording. It may differ from the pronunciation guide.
This pronunciation is listed for both UK and US English by Cambridge Dictionary.
In short
Canine means related to dogs. As a noun, a canine can be a dog or a pointed tooth; in a human mouth, the canines sit between the incisors and premolars.
What does canine mean?
Canine as an adjective
Canine means related to dogs, as in canine behavior or canine health. In broader animal terminology, it can refer to the dog family, including animals such as wolves and foxes.
It does not name a particular breed.
Does a canine mean a dog or a tooth?
It can mean either. A sentence about a shelter’s canines concerns animals; a sentence about a dentist examining a canine concerns a tooth.
Humans normally have four canine teeth. Each is a pointed tooth between the incisors and premolars. Calling it a canine tooth does not mean it came from a dog.
Canine and hound
Canine is a general dog-related word. Hound commonly names a hunting dog and has separate figurative meanings, including an eager seeker and the verb meaning to pursue persistently.
Where does it come from?
Canine is connected with Latin caninus, meaning of a dog, from canis, meaning dog. The tooth sense belongs to the same dog-related word history, even though humans and other animals also have canine teeth.
How to use it in a sentence
“The researcher studies canine behavior.”
“The shelter welcomed a nervous young canine.”
“The dentist pointed to a canine between an incisor and a premolar.”
Sources and updates
- canine, Cambridge Dictionary. Checked November 1, 2026.
- Canine Definition & Meaning, Merriam-Webster. Checked November 1, 2026.
- Canine - Etymology, Origin & Meaning, Online Etymology Dictionary. Checked November 1, 2026.
Definitions and examples are written in our own words from the sources above. Published .