kennel
UK: ˈkɛn(ə)l | US: ˈkɛn(ə)l
n. a small shelter for a dog
n. a facility where dogs are bred or boarded
vt. to place or keep a dog in a kennel
The word "kennel" traces back to Old English cynel (later kenel), derived from the Proto-Germanic kanilaz, meaning "small house" or "enclosure." The root ken- (house) is related to the Old English cyne (royal, from cyn, meaning "kin" or "family"), suggesting a connection to domestic spaces. The suffix -nel acts as a diminutive, emphasizing the small, contained nature of the structure. Over time, the term specialized to refer specifically to dog shelters, reflecting its functional evolution from a general enclosure to a purpose-built animal dwelling.
The dog slept soundly in its wooden kennel.
She runs a kennel that boards over fifty dogs during holidays.
They decided to kennel their pet while traveling abroad.
The fox hid in an abandoned kennel near the farm.
Modern kennels often include heating and cooling systems for comfort.