Bow-wow

A childish or informal term for a dog's bark or, by extension, a dog itself. It's often used when speaking to children or in contexts where a lighthearted or playful tone is desired. The term often implies a specific auditory sound ('bow-wow') but can also represent the animal in a more general manner, similar to how a child might refer to an animal. It evokes images of friendly and approachable canines and usually avoids associations with aggression or danger. This word emphasizes the vocalization of a dog, the primary way humans interact with them.

Bow-wow meaning with examples

• The little girl giggled as the playful golden retriever let out a cheerful 'bow-wow' greeting. She reached out her hand, wanting to pet the adorable dog. The children loved the sound, and their joyful reactions fueled the puppy's barking, in return for the fun time.
• During the petting zoo visit, the toddlers squealed with delight whenever a miniature poodle emitted a small 'bow-wow'. They loved to mimic the sounds in return as they had learned it quickly to engage with the small dogs. The happy sound was shared by the children, all in a playful manner.
• In the children's book, the friendly terrier used its 'bow-wow' to answer the protagonist's questions. The author wanted to evoke a playful and friendly interaction with the canine. His purpose was to engage the children in the story in a fun way.
• The toddler pointed at the large German shepherd and excitedly shouted, 'Bow-wow! Bow-wow!' wanting to show their excitement. The toddler's parents laughed at the adorable interaction. The toddler did this as they wanted to interact with the new animal.
• The commercial for dog food featured a cute puppy making a distinct 'bow-wow' sound, designed to capture the viewer's attention. The puppy showed off its playful personality to sell the food to the intended demographic. It was a success.