thoroughbred

1 of 2

adjective

thor·​ough·​bred ˈthər-ə-ˌbred How to pronounce thoroughbred (audio)
ˈthə-rə-
Synonyms of thoroughbrednext
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

Illustration of thoroughbred
  • Thoroughbred

Synonyms of thoroughbred

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Adjective

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Examples of thoroughbred in a Sentence

Adjective a thoroughbred dog
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The mobile bar is a converted two-horse thoroughbred horse trailer that her father helped convert, installing sinks, bar tops, a fridge. — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 Those unanswered questions underscore the larger challenge facing thoroughbred racing, specifically how much tradition drives the future, especially in a sport led by separate organizations pursuing their own interests. — Nicole Kraft, Forbes.com, 7 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 See All Example Sentences for thoroughbred

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1701, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Noun

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of thoroughbred was in 1701

Rhymes for thoroughbred

See All Rhymes for thoroughbred

Browse Nearby Words

thoroughbrace
thoroughbred
thoroughfare
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thoroughbred.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thoroughbred. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

thoroughbred

1 of 2 adjective
thor·​ough·​bred ˈthər-ə-ˌbred How to pronounce thoroughbred (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on thoroughbred

Nglish: Translation of thoroughbred for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thoroughbred

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