pit bull

noun

1
or pit bull terrier : a muscular, short-haired, stocky dog (such as an American pit bull terrier or American Staffordshire terrier) of any of several breeds or a hybrid with one or more of these breeds that was originally developed for fighting and is noted for strength, stamina, and tenacity
2
: an aggressive and tenacious person

Examples of pit bull in a Sentence

a pit bull who won't let anyone stand in her way to the top of the corporate ladder
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.
Pimiento, a 4-month-old pit bull mix, lived in a shelter in West Memphis. Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025 Piper, a photogenic 4-year-old terrier, pit bull mix, wants nothing but the safety and love of a good home and a family. Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2025 The postal worker suffered bites to several parts of his body during an attack involving a pit bull that was reported at a home on Barbara Road around 4:15 p.m., according to Erik Costa, chief of the Middletown Police Department. Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 10 June 2025 It is estimated that about 75 percent of municipal shelters euthanize pit bulls immediately upon intake. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pit bull

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pit bull was in 1927

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Cite this Entry

“Pit bull.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pit%20bull. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

pit bull

noun
: a dog of any of several breeds originally developed for fighting and noted for strength and stamina
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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