thoroughbred

1 of 2

adjective

thor·​ough·​bred ˈthər-ə-ˌbred 

ˈthə-rə-

1

: bred from the best blood through a long line : purebred

thoroughbred dogs

2

a

capitalized : of, relating to, or being a Thoroughbred horse

b

: having characteristics resembling those of a Thoroughbred

3

: thoroughly trained or skilled

a thoroughbred soldier

thoroughbred

2 of 2

noun

1

: a purebred or pedigreed animal

2

capitalized : any of an English breed of light speedy horses kept chiefly for racing that originated from crosses between English mares of uncertain ancestry and Arabian stallions

3

: a thoroughly educated or skilled person

Illustration of thoroughbred

• Thoroughbred

Synonyms

Adjective

• blooded
• full-blood
• full-blooded
• pedigreed
• pedigree
• pure-blooded
• pure-blood
• purebred

Examples of thoroughbred in a Sentence

Adjective

a thoroughbred dog

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

That was the beginning of his thoroughbred training life, and while there have been some dips in success, there has yet to be anything near an end. —Bill Dwyre, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024

The couple were yesterday afternoon photographed at Cowdray Park Polo Club–which is situated on the Pearson family’s 16,000-acre ancestral estate in west Sussex–with Turner accepting a piggyback ride from this most thoroughbred stallion. —Daniel Rodgers, Vogue, 3 July 2024

Noun

Breeding and racing thoroughbreds are science and culture in tandem, to use a horse term, and National Velvet, The Black Stallion, and War Horse are timeless classics. —Brian T. Allen, National Review, 12 Sep. 2024

Fenced pastures and riding trails allow thoroughbreds to take a lap or two. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 11 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Noun

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

thoroughbred

1 of 2 adjective

thor·​ough·​bred ˈthər-ə-ˌbred 

ˈthə-rə-

1

: bred from the best stock through a long line : purebred

thoroughbred dogs

2

capitalized : of, relating to, or being a Thoroughbred horse

thoroughbred

2 of 2 noun

1

: a purebred or pedigreed animal

2

capitalized : any of an English breed of light speedy horses kept chiefly for racing