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
Haggin’s thoroughbred namesake was trained at Rancho Del Paso en route to becoming the Golden State’s first to win the Kentucky Derby. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026 Mark won the Met Mile at Belmont Park—a prestigious Grade 1 race, the highest level of thoroughbred competition—with the long-shot horse, and watching his brother succeed brought a rush of emotion. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026
Noun
Casse said a portion of a recent client’s purchase price went to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, which supports accredited organizations caring for retired thoroughbreds. — Tatiana Sataua, Fortune, 7 Oct. 2026 Haggin developed a successful horse breeding farm on the sprawling expanse and at one time owned as many as 1,000 thoroughbreds. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 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

See All Rhymes for thoroughbred

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 Nov. 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

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