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basenji

noun
ba·​sen·​ji | \ bÉ™-ˈsen-jÄ“ How to pronounce basenji (audio) , -ˈzen-\

Definition of basenji

: any of a breed of small curly-tailed dogs of African origin that do not bark
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Did You Know?

One of an ancient breed of hound native to central Africa, the basenji is used to point and retrieve and to drive quarry into a net. Known as the barkless dog, it produces a variety of sounds other than barks. Its finely wrinkled forehead, erect ears, and tightly curled tail give it a characteristic alert expression. It has a short, silky reddish brown, black, or black-and-tan coat, and white feet, chest, and tail tip. It stands 16–17 in (41–43 cm) high and weighs 22–24 lbs. (10–11 kg). It is clean and gentle.

Examples of basenji in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Or maybe there were two domestications of dogs, and the dingo would be related to the Chinese wolf while the basenji was related to the Croatian wolf. — Ariel Bleicher, Quanta Magazine, "A Map of Human History, Hidden in DNA," 20 Apr. 2017 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. — Michael Dumas, AL.com, "Show Us Your Mardi Gras Gowns: Mystics of Time bring fun and frivolty," 11 Feb. 2018 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. — Michael Dumas, AL.com, "Show Us Your Mardi Gras Gowns: Mystics of Time bring fun and frivolty," 11 Feb. 2018 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. — Michael Dumas, AL.com, "Show Us Your Mardi Gras Gowns: Mystics of Time bring fun and frivolty," 11 Feb. 2018 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. — Michael Dumas, AL.com, "Show Us Your Mardi Gras Gowns: Mystics of Time bring fun and frivolty," 11 Feb. 2018 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. — Michael Dumas, AL.com, "Show Us Your Mardi Gras Gowns: Mystics of Time bring fun and frivolty," 11 Feb. 2018 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. — Michael Dumas, AL.com, "Show Us Your Mardi Gras Gowns: Mystics of Time bring fun and frivolty," 11 Feb. 2018 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. — Michael Dumas, AL.com, "Show Us Your Mardi Gras Gowns: Mystics of Time bring fun and frivolty," 11 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'basenji.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of basenji

1937, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for basenji

probably modification of Lingala mbwa na basenji, literally, dogs of the bushland people

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More from Merriam-Webster on basenji

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about basenji

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