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 animal's owner, who officials said also owns the other two dogs, describes it as a pit bull. —Nick Lentz, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026

Bahama, a 4-year-old pit bull mix, had a pretty good day out from a dog’s perspective. —Heather McRea, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2026

Lani Ryan, the organizer of the GoFundMe fundraiser, said her grandson, Julius, was attacked by a pit bull inside his home while resting in the bottom bunk after returning from a spring break spent with her and Julius’ brother at Great Wolf Lodge. —Tanya Babbar, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2026

Rom-com writer Emily Henry pays tribute to a pit bull named Dottie in an essay that opens with the aforementioned warning. —Air Mail, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pit bull

• brimful
• handful
• 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