Meaning & use
dog tag
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountablemilitary
A small metal tag worn on a chain around the neck by a soldier, showing their name and other details.
Grammar: Often used in the plural 'dog tags' because soldiers usually wear two tags.
Patterns
- wear dog tags
- a pair of dog tags
- dog tags around someone's neck
The soldier wore his dog tags at all times.
She kept her father's dog tags as a keepsake.
New recruits are given dog tags with their name and blood type.
nouncountable
A small tag attached to a dog's collar, often showing the owner's contact information or a license number.
Grammar: Usually plural 'dog tags' when referring to one or more tags on a collar.
Patterns
- a dog tag on a collar
- the dog's tag
- attach a dog tag
Make sure your dog wears a collar with a dog tag.
The dog tag has my phone number on it.
He bought a shiny new dog tag for his puppy.
Word forms
| plural | dog tags |
|---|
Common combinations
- military dog tags
- The museum displays military dog tags from the war.
- wear dog tags
- Soldiers wear dog tags for identification.
- dog tag on a collar
- The dog tag on the collar jingled as the dog ran.
- engraved dog tag
- She ordered an engraved dog tag for her pet.
Synonyms and how they differ
- ID tag
- A general term for any identification tag; 'dog tag' is specific to military or pet use.
- identification tag
- More formal and general; 'dog tag' is informal and common in everyday speech.
Commonly confused: dog tag or dog collar?
dog tag vs dog collar
The band around a dog's neck, not the tag itself. A dog tag is attached to the collar.
Practice
In which situation would you most likely see a dog tag?
Choose one answer.
Dog tags are typically worn by soldiers or attached to a dog's collar. They are not found on cats' tails, car bumpers, or birds' wings.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “dog tag”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.