Heeler

/ˈhiːlər/ noun

Definition

A dog (especially a herding dog like a cattle dog or sheep dog) that herds livestock by nipping at their heels; also can refer to a person who heels or attacks with the heel.

Etymology

From 'heel' plus the agent suffix '-er,' meaning 'one who heels' or applies pressure with the heel.

Kelly Says

Australian cattle dogs are often called 'heelers' because they were bred specifically to drive cattle by nipping at their heels—it's a unique herding technique that works because the heel is one of the few places livestock can't kick back effectively.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.