Illustration of thoroughbred
- Thoroughbred
thor·ough·bred
ˈthər-ə-ˌbred 
ˈthə-rə-
1
: bred from the best blood through a long line : purebred
thoroughbred dogs
2
a
Thoroughbred
: of, relating to, or being a Thoroughbred horse
b
: having characteristics resembling those of a Thoroughbred
3
: thoroughly trained or skilled
a thoroughbred soldier
1
: a purebred or pedigreed animal
2
Thoroughbred
: any of an English breed of light speedy horses kept chiefly for racing that originated from crosses between English mares of uncertain ancestry and Arabian stallions
3
: a thoroughly educated or skilled person
Synonyms of thoroughbred
Examples of thoroughbred in a Sentence
Adjective
a thoroughbred dog
Recent Examples on the Web
Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Dec. 2025
Given the reins of Saban’s thoroughbred, Kiffin won a national title, championed a Heisman Trophy winner (Derrick Henry) and drove his boss crazy at times with his playcalling.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025
Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025
The best thoroughbreds and jockeys from around the world are competing during the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California.
—Rudie Obias, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thoroughbred
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Adjective
One of America's most accomplished thoroughbred riders.
—Ray Padilla, Louisville Courier Journal, 5 Dec. 2025
Given the reins of Saban’s thoroughbred, Kiffin won a national title, championed a Heisman Trophy winner (Derrick Henry) and drove his boss crazy at times with his playcalling.
—Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 Nov. 2025
Noun
Loading up the thoroughbred in the trailer from Davis to Judy's East Sacramento street.
—Madisen Keavy, CBS News, 21 Nov. 2025
The best thoroughbreds and jockeys from around the world are competing during the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, California.
—Rudie Obias, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for thoroughbred
Cite this Entry
“Thoroughbred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thoroughbred. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
thoroughbred
1 of 2 adjective
thor·ough·bred
ˈthər-ə-ˌbred
ˈthə-rə-
1
: bred from the best stock through a long line : purebred
thoroughbred dogs
2
capitalized
: of, relating to, or being a Thoroughbred horse
thoroughbred
2 of 2 noun1
: a purebred or pedigreed animal
2
capitalized
: any of an English breed of light speedy horses kept chiefly for racing
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