Browse all

dog around

C1 informal inseparable intransitive

To follow someone persistently and annoyingly, or to move around as if tracking someone.

In plain English

To keep following someone around like a dog follows its owner — usually in an annoying way.

What does "dog around" mean?

One main meaning — here's how to use it.

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To persistently follow or shadow someone in an annoying way.

"That salesman has been dogging around me all morning trying to get a sale."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

To move around in the manner of a dog — persistently and without purpose.

Actually means

To keep following someone around like a dog follows its owner — usually in an annoying way.

Usage tip

Rare and not widely attested in major dictionaries. Primarily used in informal American speech. The image is of a dog persistently following or tracking. May also refer to behaving irresponsibly. Not recommended for formal writing.

Words that pair with "dog around"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

follow trail pursue trouble problems

How to conjugate "dog around"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
dog around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dogs around
he/she/it
Past simple
doged around
yesterday
Past participle
doged around
have + pp
-ing form
doging around
continuous

Hear "dog around" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "dog around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Other ways to say "dog around"

Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.

follow around haunt shadow tag along trail

Keep exploring

Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.