Rottweil

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A town in southwestern Germany known for its historical significance and architecture
2. A picturesque locality recognized for its scenic landscapes and cultural heritage
3. An urban area famous for its role in local traditions and community events

Etymology: Most people know this town through its dog. The Rottweiler breed takes its name from Rottweil, a town on the Neckar river in southwestern Germany, where butchers and drovers reportedly used sturdy dogs to herd cattle to market and guard the money they carried. Those dogs were called "Metzgerhund," or butcher's dog, and English speakers later adopted the town's name for the breed. The town's own traditions run deep. Its name is likely "Rot" plus "Weiler," meaning a small hamlet, probably a reference to the reddish local soil or sandstone. Rottweil grew out of a Roman settlement, and its carnival, the Fasnet, is organised by guilds called Narrenzünfte, whose carved masks and costumed processions mark the season each year.

Synonyms: rottweiler, dog breed, guard dog, working dog, shepherd dog