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

• 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

Meet Bebe, a snow white pit bull mix with a soft heart and a big smile who has been waiting for a long time in and out of kennel life at the Humane Society for Hamilton County in Fishers. —Tj MacIas, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2025

And Sue says Roscoe, Danielle’s pit bull, was himself a barrier between Danielle and anyone who might have wanted to harm her. —Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 11 June 2025

His family is caring for Jose’s dog Coffee, a 100-plus pound chocolate lab and pit bull mix who cries when Jose isn’t near, and working with a lawyer. —Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2025

Pimiento, a 4-month-old pit bull mix, lived in a shelter in West Memphis. —Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025

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