thoroughbred: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Literary, Technical (Equine)
Quick answer
What does “thoroughbred” mean?
A horse bred from parents of a single recognized breed, especially a purebred horse of a breed developed for racing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A horse bred from parents of a single recognized breed, especially a purebred horse of a breed developed for racing.
A person or thing considered to possess qualities, such as excellence, high breeding, or purity, that are characteristic of such a horse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. 'Thoroughbred' (capital T) specifically refers to the breed of racehorse originating in England. The metaphorical use is slightly more common in British English.
Connotations
Connotes excellence, pedigree, and high performance. In both varieties, using it for a person is a strong compliment but can be seen as slightly old-fashioned or literary.
Frequency
Higher frequency in contexts related to horse racing and breeding. The metaphorical use is low-frequency in general discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “thoroughbred” in a Sentence
[be] a thoroughbred[breed/raise/train] thoroughbredsthoroughbred of [something]like a thoroughbredVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thoroughbred” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He bought a thoroughbred mare for his stables in Newmarket.
- She had a thoroughbred elegance about her.
American English
- The Kentucky Derby is for three-year-old thoroughbred horses.
- His new sports car was a thoroughbred machine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the specific industry of horse breeding and racing.
Academic
Used in historical, zoological, or cultural studies related to animal breeding.
Everyday
Mostly in contexts discussing horses. Metaphorical use is for vivid description.
Technical
Precise term in equine science and pedigree registration.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thoroughbred”
- Misspelling as 'throughbred'.
- Confusing with 'purebred' (a broader category; all Thoroughbreds are purebred, but not all purebreds are Thoroughbreds).
- Overusing the metaphorical sense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
All Thoroughbreds are purebred, but 'Thoroughbred' (often capitalized) specifically refers to a breed of racehorse originating from 18th-century England. 'Purebred' is a general term for any animal whose parents belong to the same breed.
It is not standard. The term is overwhelmingly associated with horses. For other animals, use 'purebred' or the specific breed name.
Not offensive, but it is a strong, somewhat old-fashioned compliment focusing on lineage and innate quality. It can sound elitist depending on context.
The most common error is spelling it as 'throughbred', confusing it with the preposition 'through'.
A horse bred from parents of a single recognized breed, especially a purebred horse of a breed developed for racing.
Thoroughbred is usually formal, literary, technical (equine) in register.
Thoroughbred: in British English it is pronounced /ˈθʌrəbred/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈθɜːroʊbred/ or /ˈθʌrəbred/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not an idiom, but common simile] 'run like a thoroughbred'”
- “'the thoroughbred of [machines/cars/etc.]' (metaphorical use)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Thoroughly bred' → bred through and through for quality, not mixed.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE/OBJECTS ARE THOROUGHBRED HORSES (implying pedigree, excellence, and spirited performance).
Practice
Quiz
In its metaphorical sense, calling a person a 'thoroughbred' primarily implies they are: