What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
doghouse
Example
The dog slept in his cozy doghouse in the backyard. [doghouse: noun]
Example
I'm in the doghouse with my boss after missing an important deadline. [doghouse: idiom]
Example
After making an offensive comment, he found himself in the doghouse with his friends. [doghouse: idiom]
kennel
Example
We boarded our dog at a kennel while we were on vacation. [kennel: noun]
Example
The kennel had several small enclosures for each dog to sleep in. [kennel: noun]
Example
The animal shelter had a large kennel for dogs waiting to be adopted. [kennel: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Kennel is more commonly used than doghouse in everyday language, especially in the context of breeding or boarding dogs. Doghouse is less common and is often used in idiomatic expressions.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between doghouse and kennel?
Both doghouse and kennel are informal words, but kennel can also be used in formal contexts when referring to a professional breeding or boarding facility.
