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

The Queen tends to sport the brooch during equine events to honor King Edward VII and his legendary Thoroughbred racehorse that won the Epsom Derby in 1909. — Amina Ayoud, Footwear News, 22 Aug. 2026

The highs — and lows — of the historic thoroughbred course in Arlington Heights as the Chicago Bears take steps to build a brand new stadium on the site. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Noun

Churchill Downs Incorporated and the New York Racing Association Monday unveiled on Monday a new $5 million championship series for 3-year-old thoroughbreds built around six races, including the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. — Nicole Kraft, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Race organizers say the competition will create an annual championship for America's leading 3-year-old thoroughbreds. — Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 5 Aug. 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