thoroughbred

[ thur-oh-bred, -uh-bred, thuhr- ]

adjective

1. of pure or unmixed breed, stock, or lineage, as a horse or other animal; bred from the purest and best blood.
2. (sometimes initial capital letter) of or relating to the Thoroughbred breed of horses.
3. (of a person) having good breeding or education.

noun

1. (initial capital letter) one of a breed of horses, to which all racehorses belong, originally developed in England by crossing Arabian stallions with European mares.
2. a thoroughbred animal.
3. a well-bred or well-educated person.

thoroughbred

¹

/ ˈθʌrəˌbrɛd /

adjective

1. purebred

noun

1. a pedigree animal; purebred
2. a person regarded as being of good breeding

Thoroughbred

²

/ ˈθʌrəˌbrɛd /

noun

1. a British breed of horse the ancestry of which can be traced to English mares and Arab sires; most often used as a racehorse

Other Words From

• thorough·bredness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of thoroughbred¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; thorough + bred

Example Sentences

The Breeders’ Cup hasn’t had a horse fatality since 2019, but recent safety improvements in the sport still haven’t brought an end to thoroughbred deaths.

From Los Angeles Times

If that were to happen, the thoroughbred breed would be gone in the United States, as thoroughbreds are foaled almost exclusively for racing.

From Los Angeles Times

Almost half a century later, and after two other thoroughbreds with the same name, Cogburn is a horse that has excelled, winning six of his last seven races.

From Los Angeles Times

Swaps and Shoemaker won the 1955 Kentucky Derby, and the thoroughbred also captured the Hollywood Gold Cup, Hollywood Park’s signature race.

From Los Angeles Times

He was surprised and amused to learn a charismatic champion Australian thoroughbred racehorse was named after him.

From BBC

Related Words

• graded