1. [informal] A member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
   "The child pointed at the bow-wow across the street";
   - dog, domestic dog, Canis familiaris, dawg [non-standard], doggo [informal], pooch [informal], doggie [informal], doggy [informal], barker [informal]
    
2. The bark of a dog
   "The child imitated the dog's bow-wow"

Derived forms: bow-wows

Type of: bark, canid, canine, domestic animal, domesticated animal, woof

Part of: Canis, genus Canis

Encyclopedia: Bow-wow