What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
barking
Example
The dog started barking loudly when the mailman arrived. [barking: verb]
Example
I could hear the barking of dogs in the distance. [barking: noun]
baying
Example
The hound was baying as it chased after the scent of the fox. [baying: verb]
Example
The baying of the dogs echoed through the forest. [baying: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Barking is a more commonly used term in everyday language, as it is a behavior exhibited by various dog breeds. On the other hand, baying is less common and more specific to certain breeds of dogs, particularly hounds and hunting dogs.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between barking and baying?
Both barking and baying are generally informal terms. However, barking can be used in a wider range of contexts, including casual conversations, while baying is more specialized and may be used in more specific or formal discussions related to hunting or dog breeds.
