WordGarden.iothoroughbred
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /θˈʌrəbrˌɛd/
US
- /ˈθɜroʊˈbrɛd/
Meanings
Noun
a horse of a pure breed, especially one bred for racing
Adjective
of an animal, especially a horse, bred from a recognized pure line
Beyond the definition
At its core, "thoroughbred" refers to a purebred horse, especially a fast racehorse from a known bloodline. In a wider sense, it can also describe another animal with a pure line of breeding. Sometimes, people use it for a person who seems to come from a fine family or who shows the manners and style linked with that background.
The idea behind the word is careful breeding over many generations. Because of that, it often suggests good quality, grace, and strong natural ability. You are much more likely to hear it about horses, dogs, or a person's background than about abstract things like arguments or ideas.
The word "thoroughbred" first referred to a particular kind of horse bred for racing in England. Over time, it became strongly associated with horses that have a recorded bloodline, great speed, and the build and spirit needed for racing. In this strict sense, a Thoroughbred is not just any horse of good quality, but a member of a recognized breed.
The word is also used more broadly for other animals that are purebred or well bred. A dog, for example, may be called a thoroughbred if its family line is known and valued. When applied to people, the meaning is more figurative. It suggests someone who seems to come from a good family or who has the calm confidence, polished manners, or natural style often linked with that image.
At the heart of the word is the idea of breeding, lineage, and inherited quality. It can carry a positive sense of class, strength, and refinement, but it is not usually used for just any excellent thing. In natural English, it fits best with horses, sometimes other animals, and occasionally people whose background or bearing seems especially polished.
Examples
- 1
Racing horses
The stable trains young thoroughbreds for races across the state.
- 2
Horse purchase
They bought a thoroughbred mare from a farm in Kentucky.
- 3
Racing industry
Her family has worked in thoroughbred racing for three generations.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- bloodstock
- flat racer
Contrast
- mixed-breed horse
- draft horse
Used with (collocations)
- thoroughbred racehorse
- thoroughbred breeding
- thoroughbred pedigree
Explore
- horse breeding
- pedigree
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- thoroughbrednounadjective
Forms
- thoroughbredspluralnounadjective