thoroughbred

1 of 2

adjective

thor·​ough·​bred ˈthər-ə-ˌbred How to pronounce thoroughbred (audio)
ˈthə-rə-
Synonyms of thoroughbrednext
1
: bred from the best blood through a long line : purebred
thoroughbred dogs
2
a
Thoroughbred : 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
Thoroughbred : 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

Illustration of thoroughbred
  • Thoroughbred

Synonyms of thoroughbred

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Adjective

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Examples of thoroughbred in a Sentence

Adjective a thoroughbred dog
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Staying strong Despite the bankruptcy, Hawthorne and its harness racing affiliate, Suburban Downs, have applied for racing dates for thoroughbred and harness racing in 2027. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 The estate includes a historic mansion, numerous secondary residences, and extensive Thoroughbred breeding and training facilities. — Mark David, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
Guests can sit in the approximately 400-square-foot tasting room or the shaded outdoor space and watch five horses, four of them off the track thoroughbreds, go back and forth in a five-acre pasture. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026 Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association Monday unveiled on Monday a new $5 million championship series for 3-year-old thoroughbreds built around six races, including the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. — Nicole Kraft, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thoroughbred

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Noun

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thoroughbred was in 1701

Rhymes for thoroughbred

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Browse Nearby Words

thoroughbrace
thoroughbred
thoroughfare
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thoroughbred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thoroughbred. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thoroughbred

1 of 2 adjective
thor·​ough·​bred ˈthər-ə-ˌbred How to pronounce thoroughbred (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on thoroughbred

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thoroughbred

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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