thoroughbred

1 of 2

adjective

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

thoroughbred

2 of 2

noun

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

Illustration of thoroughbred

• Thoroughbred

Synonyms of thoroughbred

Adjective

• blooded
• pedigreed
• purebred

Examples of thoroughbred in a Sentence

Adjective

a thoroughbred dog

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Staying strong Despite the bankruptcy, Hawthorne and its harness racing affiliate, Suburban Downs, have applied for racing dates for thoroughbred and harness racing in 2027. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

The estate includes a historic mansion, numerous secondary residences, and extensive Thoroughbred breeding and training facilities. — Mark David, Robb Report, 25 Aug. 2026

Noun

The recent closing of Hawthorne Race Course brought a surge in the number of surplus thoroughbreds. — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026

Set on 152 acres in Hampshire, between the villages of Bentworth and Medstead, the spread is designed for serious equestrians, offering the space and facilities for several prized thoroughbreds. — Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Noun

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for thoroughbred

• abovesaid
• aforesaid
• arrowhead
• casinghead
• copperhead
• figurehead
• fountainhead
• gingerbread
• hammerhead
• infrared
• leatherhead
• letterhead

Kids 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 noun

1

: a purebred or pedigreed animal

2

capitalized : any of an English breed of light speedy horses kept chiefly for racing