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Collie Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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collie

[ˈkɒli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

dog breed

A collie is a type of herding dog that originated in Scotland. They are known for their intelligence, agility, and loyalty. Collies are often used on farms to help herd sheep and other livestock.

Synonyms

border collie, herding dog, sheepdog.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
collie

Repeat of the first entry. See the full description above.

  • My neighbor has a friendly collie
  • Collies are known for their intelligence
sheepdog

Refers to dogs that herd sheep. It can be a general term or specify breeds known for this work. Good for discussing the dog's working role in a farming context.

  • The sheepdog guided the flock back to the pen
  • Sheepdogs are essential for managing large herds of sheep
herding dog

Describes dogs that are specifically trained or naturally inclined to herd animals. Useful for broad descriptions that focus on the dog's role rather than its breed.

  • We need a herding dog to help manage the sheep
  • Herding dogs often excel in tasks on farms
border collie

Specific reference to the Border Collie breed, known for its intelligence and strong work ethic, especially in herding and agility. Ideal for detailed or formal references when the exact breed is important.

  • Border Collies are often used in competitive sheepdog trials
  • My Border Collie learns new tricks very quickly

Examples of usage

  • They trained the collie to round up the sheep.
  • The collie's natural herding instincts make it a great working dog.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'collie'

The word 'collie' is believed to have originated from the Scottish dialect word 'coally' or 'collie' meaning black. It was first used in the 17th century to refer to sheepdogs in general. The specific breed we know today as the collie was developed in the 19th century in Scotland and England for herding purposes.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,643, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.