Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

dogleg

/ˈdɔɡˌlɛɡ/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.81 in modern English

Syllables: dog-leg
IPA: /ˈdɔɡˌlɛɡ/

9

Scrabble Score

6

Letters

2

Syllables

5

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

Something (such as a canyon or road) with a sharp bend or turn in it.

noun

Something (such as a canyon or road) with a sharp bend or turn in it.

noun

A single intersection consisting of two opposing T-junctions in close proximity; an intersection with a staggered cross street.

American usage

verb

To bend in the shape of the hind leg of a dog, especially to turn and then turn back sharply to the original direction.

Intransitive verb

Example Sentences

"The Q Street crossing of Wisconsin Avenue is an extreme example of such a location, the dog-leg itself being so long, about 150 feet, that in reality two T intersections exist."
"At 4th Avenue and Korean Veterans Boulevard, the completion of Gateway Boulevard would correct the existing dog-leg intersection with Franklin Street."
"McCormack had been stalking its corridors for months, turning down its dog-legs and dead ends, doubling back on himself."
"When the causeway doglegs and all of a sudden you spot sixteen roller coasters in the same place, it can take your breath away."

Etymology

The noun is derived from dog + leg, referring to the shape of the hind leg of a dog. The verb is derived from the noun.

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈdɔɡˌlɛɡ/
British English: /ˈdɒɡlɛɡ/

Usage

American usage
Intransitive verb

Inflected Forms

doglegs (plural) dog-leg (alternative) doglegs (present, singular) doglegging (participle, present) doglegged (participle, past) doglegged (past)

Phrases

offset T-intersection

Frequently Paired Words

hairpin offset T-intersection switchback

Synonyms

staggered crossroads staggered junction

Questions

How do you pronounce dogleg?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈdɔɡˌlɛɡ/.
What does dogleg mean?: Something (such as a canyon or road) with a sharp bend or turn in it.
Where does dogleg come from?: The noun is derived from dog + leg, referring to the shape of the hind leg of a dog. The verb is derived from the noun.

How to pronounce dogleg

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “dogleg”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈdɔɡˌlɛɡ/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “dogleg”.
Repeat and practice — Say “dogleg” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.