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

The rest of Walter's heritage was a mix of chow chow, Labrador retriever, and American pit bull terrier, the test stated; all very different-looking dogs, which had somehow combined to produce Walter. —Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025

American Bullies share common ancestry with pit bulls but are generally more laid back in temperament. —Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2025

The dogs — a brown pit bull terrier, a black Shepherd mix and a white Shepherd/Shiba Inu mix — have been in the custody of Fort Worth Animal Control since June 17, the day after Ronald Anderson was found dead inside his home. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Aug. 2025

And in animal shelters, pit bulls account for 40% of the dogs put down. —Laura A. Bischoff, The Enquirer, 2 July 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