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

The Michigan State Police Jackson post said the three dogs, described as mixed-breed pit bull/mastiff dogs that escaped from a kennel, were returned to their owner's custody, pending the outcome of the investigation. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 13 July 2026

Abbas Shoeib took home a handsome black pit bull mix whose owners were killed in an airstrike. — ABC News, 3 July 2026

One woman scheduled a viewing to say goodbye to her almost-3-year-old pit bull, his muscular, auburn body now lifeless. — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

The 2026 World's Cutest Rescue Dog winner will join the ranks of phenomenal pups, like 2024 winner rescue pit bull, Margot, and the one-eyed winner before her, Hobie. — Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 25 June 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