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

Synonyms of pit bull

• tiger

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

I'mPhaedra Trethan, watching a video about the smartest dog breeds while sitting beside my pit bull-boxer mix, whose eyes show no thoughts of anything but treats, sleep and love. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 17 June 2026

Increasingly, fatal dog bites spark spirited debate about banning some dog breeds, including pit bulls. —Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026

In addition to money problems, McNamara also faced hardship when his pit bull, Boo, was diagnosed with cancer, which required costly treatments. —Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 27 May 2026

Some crew members went to investigate, and found a pit bull tied to the station’s flagpole. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pit bull

• brimful
• handful
• mirthful
• mouthful
• roomful
• spoonful
• full
• pull
• wool

Kids Definition

pit bull

noun

: a dog of any of several breeds originally developed for fighting and noted for strength and stamina