Dingo Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dingo

[หˆdษชล‹ษกoสŠ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

wild animal

The dingo is a wild dog native to Australia, known for its distinctive appearance and behaviors. They are often considered a subspecies of the domestic dog and are an important part of the Australian ecosystem. Dingoes are highly adaptable and can thrive in various environments, ranging from deserts to forests.

Synonyms

Australian dog, wild dog.

Examples of usage

  • Dingoes are known for their unique hunting strategies.
  • Many tourists hope to see a dingo while visiting Australia.
  • The dingo plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.
  • Historically, dingoes were domesticated by Indigenous Australians.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Ecology

  • Dingoes play a crucial role in the Australian ecosystem by controlling populations of kangaroos and other herbivores.
  • Unlike many domestic dogs, dingoes are primarily nocturnal and are most active at night.
  • They have a unique hunting strategy, often cooperating in packs to hunt larger prey.

Culture

  • Dingoes feature prominently in Aboriginal mythology, often depicted as totems and creatures of significance.
  • In popular culture, dingoes have been represented in films like 'Crocodile Dundee,' highlighting Australiaโ€™s wildlife.
  • The phrase 'a dingo took my baby' became a worldwide sensation after a tragic event in Australia drew massive media attention.

Conservation

  • Dingoes are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and interbreeding with domestic dogs, impacting their genetic purity.
  • Conservation efforts are underway to preserve pure dingo populations and their natural habitats.
  • Some Australian national parks have implemented 'dingo protection' zones to help safeguard their environment.

Behavior

  • Dingoes have a complex social structure, with strong pack bonds that allow them to hunt and raise pups cooperatively.
  • They communicate through a variety of vocalizations, tail positions, and body language to convey different messages.
  • Dingoes have excellent hearing and sense of smell, making them adept hunters in the Australian outback.

Origin of 'dingo'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dingo' comes from the Gadigal language of the Aboriginal people, where 'dingo' means 'wild dog.'
  • Historically, 'dingoes' were first domesticated by Indigenous Australians at least 4,000 years ago.
  • The species name for dingoes is 'Canis lupus dingo,' indicating their relation to wolves.

The word 'dingo' comes from the Dharug language, an Aboriginal language of the Sydney region, where it is believed to have derived from the term 'deng' or 'dingo', which refers to the wild dog. The first recorded use of the term in English dates back to the early 19th century, around 1816. This animal has a long history in Australia, believed to have been introduced by seafarers from Asia around 4,000 years ago. The dingo is thought to have diverged from domestic dogs brought to the continent, adapting to rural and wild environments over time. Over the decades, dingoes have been both revered and persecuted, often seen as a menace to livestock. Their role in Indigenous cultures is significant, often being featured in mythology and traditional stories, illustrating the animal's importance to the people and the land.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,710 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.